Varyag cruiser flag transfer symbol of RF-SKorea good relations-pr.

SEOUL, November 11 (Itar-Tass) - The ceremony of handover to the
Russian side of the jack-flag (naval ensign) of the legendary cruiser
Varyag (Varangian) was held in the RF embassy in Seoul in the presence of
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The authorities of the South Korean
city of Incheon handed over the flag to the Russian side.
The Russian head of state said that it is a significant event both in
Russian history and history of Russian-Korean relations.
"The transfer of the jack from the Varyag cruiser is of special
symbolic importance for us, because it is the memory of the unprecedented
feat of navy men of the Varyag cruiser, on the one hand, and on the other
- it is a symbol of new very good relations that bind Russia and the
Republic Korea," said Medvedev.
He expressed gratitude to the Mayor of Incheon for the decision,
noting that the fact that it happens during the visit of the Russian
president makes the transfer of the flag especially symbolic.
"Accepting today the jack from the Varyag cruiser we pay tribute to
the heroism of our sailors and, on the other hand, try to show that there
is a place of heroism in every life, and we hope that the appropriate
deposit, which will be with us, will allow young generations of Russians
to also be oriented towards what has been done by their ancestors many
years ago," Medvedev said.
Mayor of Incheon Song Young-gil said that there was an important
battle in the bay near the city (former Chemulpo port) 100 years ago, and
the citizens of Incheon have treasured the flag that witnessed that battle.
"In connection with the visit of President Dmitry Medvedev to the
Republic of Korea it has been decided to transfer for a period of five
years the jack-flag to the Russian Federation," the mayor said adding that
the President of the Republic of Korea approved this decision on
Wednesday. He said earlier, "This year marks the 20th anniversary of
diplomatic relations between Korea and Russia, and with the hosting of the
G20 Summit, we decided on a de facto return of the flag and plan to
discuss extending the loan period with academics and central government
officials."
According to South Korea's rules, any museum exhibit can be
transferred to another country only if the country's President gives
consent for this; it can be done on the lease terms.
The Russian side hopes that the lease term will be extended every five
years.
After the speech of the Russian president and the Incheon Mayor,
Commander of the Russian Navy Vladimir Vysotsky and Director of the
Incheon Metropolitan Museum Seo Kwang Seok signed an act on the transfer
of the jack. After that the guard of honour of the Guards missile cruiser
Varyag, which is now at Incheon on a visit, received the jack from the
hands of Korean navy men.
The Varyag's flag measures 257 cm by 200 cm and is widely cherished
among Russians as a symbol of sacrifice and devotion to the homeland.
Russian history texts teach that although the Varyag lost the battle, it
honoured the spirit of the Russian people.
Deputy Commander of the missile ships squadron Captain Vladimir
Piskaikin told reporters that before a decision is made on the place of
storage, the jack will be kept in the museum of the Varyag missile
cruiser. In a few days, the ship assigned to the Fokino town 130
kilometres from Vladivostok, is expected to depart for home.
According to Piskaikin, it would be logical if the jack were
transferred to permanent storage in the Central Naval Museum in St.
Petersburg.
-0-ezh/ast