Russian rescuers return to Russia

BELGRADE - The Russian rescuers who provided assistance in the rescue efforts during the floods in Serbia departed from the Belgrade airport Nikola Tesla on Monday.

Russia's Deputy Minister of Emergencies Eduard Chizhikov said that the rescue operation in Serbia had been completed, and he thanked his countrymen on their brave efforts.

He conveyed the gratitude of the Serbian government and its ministries of interior and defence.

Russian Ambassador Alexander Chepurin also thanked the Russian rescue teams on their dedication and courage.

He stated he was pleased that almost 100 rescuers from Russia had taken an active role in saving people in Serbia.

Chepurin presented Chizhikov with a statue of Constantine the Great as a sign of gratitude, adding that 17 Roman emperors had been born on the territory of modern Serbia.

Head of the department for firefighting and rescue units of the Interior Ministry's Sector for Emergencies Goran Nikolic pointed out and Serbia and its people were grateful to everyone, but in particular to the Russian rescue teams, who arrived when the situation in Obrenovac was the most difficult.

"It meant a lot to us because you saved many lives, and also confirmed that the creation of the joint Russian and Serbian humanitarian centre in Nis was a sensible thing," he noted.

Photo Tanjug / Rade Prelic