Eurasian countries mark May Day

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - People have taken to the streets and public places in various Eurasian countries to mark May Day.

In Russia, where the holiday is known officially as the Day of Spring and Labor, local media outlets reported that over 5,000 people took part in a parade at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy complex in the country's capital Moscow.

Meanwhile, state news agency RIA reported that Russia’s Communist Party also held a rally at a monument of Karl Marx, located opposite of the historic Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow’s Tverskoy District.

The report further said that the event is attended by Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov and other party officials, as well as party supporters that have been seen waving Soviet flags and other flags containing party symbols.

In neighboring Belarus, festive events are ongoing at the Victory Park in the country's capital Minsk, where representatives of labor groups, government bodies and veterans are taking part, according to state news agency Belta.

Elsewhere, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov congratulated his nation on May Day and said the "key to success" is showing a "desire to work and achieving the desired result."

"I wish that each of you enjoys your work, finds happiness in work and deep meaning in life. Let the unity and harmony of the people be strengthened, all our efforts go for the benefit of our Kyrgyzstan!” he further said.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said: "Our state is built on your hard work, and your efforts deserve sincere appreciation and recognition."

International Workers' Day, also known as Labor Day in some countries and often referred to as May Day, is marked every year on May 1 to pay tribute to laborers around the world.