Estonian president unveils monument to soldiers in Afghanistan
TALLINN. October 7. KAZINFORM Estonia's president inaugurated on Wednesday a monument to the Estonian soldiers who have died while serving as part of the international force in Afghanistan, the president's office announced; Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.
Toomas Hendrik Ilves unveiled the memorial during a visit to Camp Bastion in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan, where the Estonian military contingent is based.
"We remember and mourn all the brave Estonian troops who have fallen in Afghanistan for the sake of the security of local people, Estonia and our allies," Ilves said at the ceremony.
Estonian soldiers have served in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) since 2003. Eight have been killed and more than 40 injured. There are currently more than 160 Estonian troops in the country.
The president's office said that more than 100 individual contributions totaling more than $8,000 were donated for the construction of the monument, which consists of a small truncated pyramid topped with a cross. It bears a plaque with the names of the victims; Kazinform cites RIA Novosti.
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