In memory of internationalist soldiers

The ceremonial meeting for the 35th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan was held at the Palace of the Republic. It was attended by the PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR Supreme Council Chairman Alexander Korshunov and parliamentarians, the PMR Government Chairman Alexander Rosenberg and heads of ministries and departments of the republic.

Activists of the Heirs of Victory youth movement set up a small exhibition in the hall in front of the hall, displaying original weapons and uniforms of that time, which were used during the Afghan war not only by Soviet soldiers, but also by the armed formations of the Afghan Mujahideen.

A cancellation ceremony took place before the start of the solemn meeting for a series of stamps issued in Pridnestrovie for the 35th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. It was attended by the PMR President, the speaker of parliament and the Government Chairman. This is the third issue in the series. Previous souvenir sheet was published 5 and 10 years ago. The stamp depicts a monument to Afghan soldiers at the capital's Memorial of Glory. Circulation – 5600 pieces. 130 envelopes were also produced depicting a memorial procession in honor of fallen Afghan soldiers.

Soldiers internationalist from all over the republic gathered in the very hall of the Palace of the Republic. For example, Vladimir Sadovnik came to the capital from Rybnitsa.

The President spoke about historical memory and attitude towards internationalist soldiers. Vadim Krasnoselsky noted their feat, contribution to maintaining peace and countering terrorism. The President's father was one of the first Soviet soldiers to entered Afghanistan in the summer of 1979.

“The Soviet Union fought against international terrorism, fought for the Afghan people then. The Soviet Union never engaged in colonial policy. It on the contrary destroyed colonies in Asia and Africa. The Soviet Union gave the people freedom. The Soviet people in addition to protection built Afghanistan: roads, schools, hospitals, kindergartens. It was an international duty. Soviet soldiers left victorious. Afghan soldiers continued to fulfill their international duty in Pridnestrovie, their duty to the multinational Pridnestrovian people,” emphasized Vadim Krasnoselsky. 

About 650 thousand Soviet soldiers and officers passed through Afghanistan, including more than 2 thousand Pridnestrovians. 54 people did not return home. 27 internationalist soldiers defended the young republic in the early 90s. The memory of the victims was honored with a minute of silence.

“February 15, 1989 is a special day for internationalist soldiers who fulfilled their military duty with honor and dignity. The last column of Soviet troops left the territory of Afghanistan on this day, and the war that lasted almost 10 years ended for everyone who participated in the fighting on Afghan soil. Years have passed and will pass, but the Afghan war will always remain in our memory a heroic and tragic page of history, because it was written with the blood of soldiers and the tears of mothers, obelisks and stars on graves. We will always cherish the memory of them,” said of the PMR Supreme Council Chairman Alexander Korshunov.

Commemorative events dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan will be held tomorrow on the 15th of February in all cities of Pridnestrovie.