100 sons and daughters of Syrian martyrs arrive in Russia for summer holiday

Moscow, SANA-Some 100 children who excelled in their studies at Martyrs’ Sons Schools in Syria have arrived in the Russian capital Moscow to spend their summer holiday at a children’s resort in Moscow’s suburbs.

The children’s’ visit came upon the invitation of the Foundation of St. Andrew and the the Centre of National Glory of Russia .

Vladimir Yakunin, chairman of the Foundation of St. Andrew, said during a reception ceremony held for the Syrian children that was attended by Russian parliamentarians and officials, said “it is a great honor for the Foundation’s board of directors to take this initiative for Syrian children who lost their parents.”

“It means that we are sharing the Syrians their suffering and concerns, especially that war against Syria has left many children homeless,” he added.

He pointed out that the fierce aggression against Syria “has the backing of those who vaunt most about democracy”, indicating that the initiative is a token gesture by Russia in support of the Syrian government’s efforts to establish peace in Syria.

Representative of the initiative’s sponsor said the Syrian children are scheduled to stay in a children’s resort located in Moscow’s suburbs from July 28 to August 11, supervised by psychiatrists and experts.

The children will engage in miscellaneous activities and sports during their stay, he added.

“We consider Russia the second home of all peace-loving people around the world,” Syria’s ambassador in Russia, Riyad Haddad said, thanking Russia for the initiative.

Russia proves once again that it is the country that champions the rights of the people, Haddad said, saying that developing ties with Russia is an invariable principle of the Syrian foreign policy.

Russian officials who were at the reception of the Syrian children underscored the deep relations binding Syria and Russia, indicating that the initiative is meant to enable children to lead a normal life again after the ache and trauma sustained by the loss of a parent.

The children interviewed expressed gratitude for the initiative that underlies unbreakable ties between Syria and Russia, saying the warm welcome they received in Russia has brought them ineffable joy.

M. Ismael