Armenian, Russian servicemen mark Defender of Fatherland Day
A solemn ceremony dedicated to the Defender of the Fatherland Day was held at Victory Park of Yerevan.
The Russian and Armenian border troops marched near the Mother Armenia Monument.
Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Vyacheslav Kovalenko, high-ranking Officers and servicemen of the Armenian and Russian Armed Forces laid flowers and wreaths at the memorial to the Unknown Soldier and paid tribute to the memory of those killed for the sake of motherland.
"The ceremony symbolizes the partnership between Russia and Armenia especially in the military sphere. Russia's Military Doctrine says that Russia does not consider any country to be its enemy. Russia will protect itself if it counters new threats to its borders," said Vyacheslav Kovalenko.
"Since Armenia is surrounded by enemies, Armenians consider Fatherland defenders to be innermost creatures. But for the Soviet army, its skills and experience, we would not have our efficient troops that rank the best in the region. I am proud of our army and believe that our army will be able to defend our borders if Azerbaijan plots another attack on Armenia," said Simon Yesayan, Chairman of the Veterans' Union of Armenia.
"We fought for the Russian army but today Russian veterans receive more money than we do," said Saribek Ohanyan, a participant of the Great Patriotic War.
Leader of the People's Party Tigran Karapetyan was disappointed to see few people at Victory Park.
"We cannot administer justice by struggles and sacrifices as it is being raped by wicked and violent forces. We are struggling against evil and injustice," said Karapetyan.
