site.btaFirst National Convention of Reservists Held

September 15 (BTA) - The first national convention of
reservists opened Saturday near Kazanluk, Southern Bulgaria, the
 Defence Ministry said in a press release.

The opening ceremony was attended by President and Supreme
Commander-in-Chief Rumen Radev, Defence Minister Krassimir
Karakachanov, top brass, army veterans, members of military
patriotic organizations and members of the public.

Addressing the convention, Radev stressed the importance of the
work of the reservists in teaching patriotic values in the young
 generation, the President's press secretariat said. Radev also
stressed the reservists' contribution in the efforts for having
"a fairer Bulgaria".

In his address to the participants Karakachanov said that the
merit for the nearly 1400-year existence of the Bulgarian state
is solely due to the Bulgarian army and the people who have
devoted their lives to it.

The Defence Minister wished the veterans and reservists success
in their efforts in teaching patriotism to young Bulgarians.

Demonstrations of combat techniques, parachute jumps, aerobatics
 were held as part of the event.

Earlier on Saturday Karakachanov took part in a conference on
the role of voluntary service and reservist service in
strengthening Bulgaria's defence and security. Karakachanov
said, quoted by his Ministry, that work started several months
ago on a bill on voluntary military service which will be put up
 for discussion by defence professionals, reservists and members
 of the public. RY/ZH