Medvedev Congratulates CIS, South Ossetian, Abkhazian PMs on Victory Day

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has sent congratulatory telegrams to his counterparts from the CIS member states, as well as those from the breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia on the occasion of the 71th anniversary of victory over the Nazi Germany in World War II, the Russian government press service said Saturday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The messages were mailed, in particular, to the prime ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

"Our countries honor the special memory of the great feat of the soldiers-liberators who gave their lives for the Motherland, for the freedom and happiness of posterity. Current and future generations will always remember the unyielding courage of the soldiers that fought in the Great Patriotic War and the selfless dedication of the home front workers," the press service stated in a statement.

Medvedev also expressed certitude that the battle-hardened fraternity and friendship would continue to serve as the foundation for diverse cooperation between the countries, the statement added.

The Russian prime minister also asked his colleagues to wish health, happiness and a long life to the Great Patriotic War veterans in the respective states, according to the statement.

On May 9, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) honor the memory of those who fought against fascism in nationwide celebrations.