Acting Prime Minister Aleksey Pesoshin congratulates Tatarstan citizens on Defender of the Fatherland Day

On February 23 Acting Prime Minister Aleksey Pesoshin congratulates Tatarstan citizens on Defender of the Fatherland Day:

“Dear Tatarstan citizens! On behalf of Tatarstan Government let me congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day! On February 23 Russian people celebrate one of the most favourite and important holidays. This day we honour those who contribute to glorious traditions and pay tribute to those who gave their lives for freedom and independence of the Motherland. Millions of our citizens served in the army, and it became the “school of courage” for most of them. I would like to express special gratitude to veterans of war and Russian Armed Forces. In hard times, soldiers of the army and fleet always showed heroism, devotion to military duty and love to their Motherland.

Our soldiers who fulfilled their military duty in Afghanistan, North Caucasus, dealt with pace-making mission abroad, consequences of Chernobyl accident, rescued people in emergency situations, who serve in remote garrisons, fleet and fulfill their combat alert mission deserve special respect.

I am glad to say about positive changes in solution of problems connected with strengthening of defensive potential of the state and modernization of Armed Forces. Our republic makes a considerable contribution to realization of these tasks. Love to native land, diligence, and devotion to traditions have always been characteristic of our multi-ethnic people.

I wish military personnel and veterans peaceful sky, strong health, optimism and confidence in the future.

Acting Prime Minister A.V. Pesoshin.”