Ilsur Metshin: "It is difficult to assess the political motives of the Afghan...

Today at the monument to soldiers-internationalists was held a meeting on the 21th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from the Republic of Afghanistan.
 
Meeting was attended by veterans of the Afghan war and other local conflicts, family members and friends of fallen soldiers, cadets of Kazan Higher Military Command College, students of Kazan Suvorov Military School, members of youth organizations.
 
Over 2000 Kazan citizens participated in the ten-year war in Afghanistan. All of them have shown courage in battles and for the shown heroism of 275 citizens of Kazan have been awarded by medals «For courage» and "Services in battle", 93 persons - an award «Red star».
 
Kazan paid a high price for taking part in this conflict - 34 of our countrymen died in fights and more than 100 people were seriously injured.
 
The meeting was opened by Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin. "It is difficult to assess the political motives of the war, but there is no doubt that everyone involved paid their debt to the Motherland with dignity and honor, have shown courage and heroism during military operations. Once again I want to express my condolences to those whose husbands, brothers and friends have not came from this war", - said the head of the city.
 
Also to the gathered addressed the head of the Kazan garrison, major general Valery Mironchenko, Chairman of the Committee of war veterans and military service of RT, major general of reserve Akhat Julashev, the father of a soldier who was killed in the war in Afghanistan Rustem Akchurin; student of the Kazan Higher Military Command School Daniel Ismagilov and others.
 
The meeting ended with a minute of silence and laying flowers at the monument of soldiers-internationalists.