Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 13 / Trend E. Tariverdiyeva /
Soviet Azerbaijani soldiers who fought in various conflicts received medals today at the Russian Embassy in Baku. Russian Ambassador Vladimir Dorokhin, Russian Military Attache in Azerbaijan Alexander Moiseyev, and World War II veterans attended the ceremony.
The Order of the Red Star was awarded to Zeynalov Sahib, who was killed while protecting the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. Agayev Rahim, Agha Mirza Said, Talibov Anvar were awarded medals for various military achievements.
The awards were presented in accordance with Soviet presidential decrees issued in 1989-1990.
Dorokhin presented the medals. He congratulated the soldiers on restoring historical justice and thanked them for their feats during Soviet combat.
"Whatever criticism was voiced - the Afghan war was led by the Soviet people," the ambassador said. He thanked the public for paying tribute to the heroes who laid down their lives for the Soviet Union.
"I am glad Russia decided to reward the Soviet heroes who fought in Afghanistan. Our embassy contributed to finding these soldiers," he said.
Dorokhin said the awards are important for Russia as the country seeks a new historical identity. The ambassador also stressed that Azerbaijan and Russia have identical positions on this issue.
Russia appreciates the Azerbaijani government's position, he said, adding that they will never forget the Soviet soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.
"Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev pays special attention to the servicemen who fought in Afghanistan. They live in Azerbaijan. Most have received Azerbaijani military honors," Dorokhin said.
He stressed the importance of Azerbaijan-Russia relations.
About 10,000 former soldiers who fought in Afghanistan live in Azerbaijan today, Afghan War Fighters Union in Azerbaijan Chairman Magomed Veliyev said.