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Mr Medvedev decorated 56 service members who distinguished themselves during the events in South Ossetia. Five officers were awarded the title Hero of Russia.

Two months ago Russia faced the choice of doing nothing and closing its eyes to gross violations of international obligations and to the deaths of its citizens, including peacekeepers, or taking resolute action against the aggressor. Russia chose the latter, and this was the right choice, Mr Medvedev said at the ceremony.

The President thanked the soldiers and officers for their courage and performance of their duties.

Mr Medvedev said that Russia will help the Ossetian people rebuild and will do everything possible to ensure stable peace for the new states of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.