By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Some 67,000 policemen will be deployed during the countrywide Russia Day festivities Saturday, an official said.
“Over 67,000 policemen, 7,700 military servicemen as well as staff of non-governmental security bodies and public organisations will be on duty in order to provide public order and security during Russia Day,” said Col. Gen. Mikhail Sukhodolsky, the first deputy interior minister.
Earlier, Moscow’s police chief Vladimir Kolokoltsev said more than 4,000 policemen would provide security in the centre of the Russian capital during the festivities.
The holiday has been celebrated since 1992. It was introduced to mark the official declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Republic June 12, 1990.
US President Barack Obama Saturday congratulated the people of Russia on the occasion.
“On behalf of the American people, I extend my best wishes to all those who observe Russia Day,” Obama said in a statement.
The US president reiterated that his country and Russia are also celebrating the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II this year and praised the development of relations between the two countries.
“Today, our two nations continue in our strong partnership, mutual respect and friendship, and I am proud of the new START Treaty and our joint efforts to reduce our nuclear arsenals. Beyond that, our two nations continue to expand our commercial and economic ties,” he said.