19:00, 14 May 2011

North Ossetia: retired militaries hold rally in defence of their social rights

In Vladikavkaz, the capital of North Ossetia, a rally took place in Theatre Square in defence of social rights and guarantees, organized by public associations representing the interests of pensioners from armed and interior forces. The event was 200 persons strong.

The participants of the rally have expressed their concern over the existing pension system, where military officers, who had passed, as they emphasize, severe trials in the course of their service, get their pensions of 8-12,000 roubles.

Valery Mamontenko, the chairman of a public organization of officers, finds the measures taken by the authorities to improve the situation insufficient. "Today, veterans are living from pension to pension," he emphasized. "The status of a military veteran is completely emasculated today."

A statement, in particular, was announced at the rally that the level of compensations to ex-Afghanistan servicemen is very low - 1990 roubles per month; it needs serious correction. Great problems are faced by widows of perished militaries, the protesters say.

Author: Dmitry Tamerlanov

Source: CK correspondent