Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh unfurled a 50-meter Russian flag yesterday in Stepanakert to celebrate National Flag Day, an official Russian holiday established in 1994.

"On August 22, we celebrate the day of the state flag of our country. This holiday is marked to unite all those who are devoted to their homeland, who value the history of their country and people," said Deputy Commander of the peacekeeping contingent, Major General Oleg Egorov, this according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The celebration ended with a military parade against the backdrop of military-patriotic songs.

Some 2,000 Russian peacekeepers monitor checkpoints along the Armenian-Azerbaijani Line of Contact in Karabakh.