The Russian diplomatic mission in Armenia and other official structures honored the memory of the victims of the devastating earthquake of December 7, 1988, Sputnik Armenia reports.
“We mourn with the brotherly Armenian people for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” the Russian Embassy in Armenia said in a statement.
The diplomatic mission recalls the terrible disaster and the immediate response of the Soviet leadership and the Russian people. On the day of the earthquake, a group of highly qualified doctors and field surgeons arrived in Armenia from Moscow. In total, in addition to volunteers, more than 20,000 soldiers and officers took part in the rescue efforts. All Soviet republics participated in the reconstruction of the devastated areas.
Today, representatives of the Gyumri Russian House, the 102nd Russian Military Base, and the Leninakin Red Banner Border Detachment honored the monument “To the Innocent Victims, Compassionate Hearts,” located in the courtyard of the Holy Savior Church in Gyumri.
Staff from the Gyumri Consulate General and Consul General Igor Titov visited the city of Spitak today and participated in commemorative events dedicated to Earthquake Remembrance Day.
“The feeling of mutual assistance has lived in the hearts of our people for centuries and will always live,” Titov said in his speech, recalling that service members of the 102nd Military Base of the Russian Ministry of Defense also selflessly served during those days.
Titov then, along with Spitak Mayor Kajayr Nikoghosyan, laid flowers at the monument to the victims of the tragedy.