The head of state expressed his confidence that Russian soldiers will continue to reliably protect the lives and interests of Russian citizens, and to fulfil their civilian and human duty in an honourable way.
According to the President, the peacekeeping operation in South Ossetia was carried out effectively, fully achieved its objectives, and the peacekeeping forces performed accurately and in full accordance with the tasks they were given. Dmitry Medvedev described Russia’s actions in South Ossetia as absolutely legitimate and justified, stressing that they halted the extermination of an entire people.
The head of state cited a definitive ceasefire, the return of the Georgian military to their permanent positions, and overcoming the humanitarian catastrophe as the main tasks in this stage of the settlement of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict.
The President recalled 12 August 2008 as the date that marked the end of operations obliging the Georgian authorities to restore peace and the adoption of principles of conflict resolution.
Dmitry Medvedev also talked about signing a decree concerning awards for those who participated in operations obliging the Georgian authorities to restore peace and promised to meet with those who defended peacekeeping ideals from the frontline.