Greetings to participants in events marking the 40th anniversary of clean-up operations following the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident

The message reads, in part:

"April 26, 1986, is a significant date in our country's history. We bow our heads in tribute to the heroism of those who, 40 years ago, stood in the path of the fire while responding to the industrial accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. They did not falter or retreat, and fulfilled their professional, civic and personal duty to the end - many at the cost of their own lives.

The selfless actions of the emergency responders who came from all Soviet republics made it possible to prevent a catastrophe of global scale. We will always honour the memory of the extraordinary courage of plant personnel, firefighters, service members, construction workers and medical specialists who, despite the mortal danger, dealt with the consequences of the accident, evacuated people, and carried out recovery work.

Today, measures for the social protection and rehabilitation of those affected by these tragic events have been adopted in Russia. We are grateful to representatives of the Chernobyl Union and other public organisations for their assistance in implementing these programmes. And, of course, special words of appreciation go to the veteran rescuers, who support the families of their fallen colleagues and friends and carry out important public work."