OREANDA-NEWS. February 15, 2009. Dmitry Medvedev congratulated the veterans of the Afghan war on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the withdrawal of the Limited Contingent of Soviet troops from the Republic of Afghanistan.

The President’s congratulatory address reads, in particular:

“Today we pay our tribute of deep respect to the soldiers, officers, sergeants, generals, doctors and civilian advisors, to all who displayed resilience and courage, and who fulfilled their orders with honour. And, of course, we remember those who, in carrying out their duty to their country, lost their lives.

The unique knowledge and experience of those who fought in the Afghan war is also needed today: by the Army and law enforcement agencies, in public and non-profit organisations, and also in responsible work of educating our young people in the spirit of patriotism, of citizenship, and in the selfless service for Russia.”