Pyongyang, February 24 (KCNA) -- Staff members of the Russian embassy here laid a wreath at the Liberation Tower on Feb. 23 to mark the Day of Defenders of the Motherland.

The guard of honor of the Korean People's Army lined up at the tower.

Present at the wreath-laying ceremony were Ambassador Alexandr Matsegora, Military Attache Alexei Bartusov and members of the embassy.

They were accompanied by Kim Kang Il, vice-minister of the National Defence of the DPRK, Kim Jong Gyu, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and officials concerned.

The national anthems of the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea were played.

A wreath in the name of the Russian embassy was placed at the Liberation Tower amid the playing of wreath-laying music.

The participants paid tribute to the memory of the fallen fighters of the Soviet Army, who dedicated their precious lives to the just struggle for Korea's liberation with noble internationalism, and looked round the tower.

They also laid wreaths, bouquets and flowers at the cemetery of fallen fighters of the Soviet Army in Sadong District.

Meanwhile, the members of the Russian embassy visited the liberation towers in local areas. -0-