Medvedev gives Swiss city two bear cubs

BERN, Switzerland, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Tuesday officially presented Bern, Switzerland, with two Siberian cubs for the city's newly enlarged riverside bear pit.

The ceremony marked the first visit to Switzerland by a Russian head of state.

The 7-month-old orphaned Siberian cubs, flown to Switzerland this month, are to be the center attraction of a bear compound that stretches down the Aare River, RIA Novosti reported.

Bern, which comes from the German word for bear, has kept bruins in the city since 1513. Coincidentally, Medvedev's surname comes from the Russian word for bear, which is the Russian national symbol featured on the ruling party's flag.

Medvedev Tuesday was to attend ceremonies marking the 210th anniversary of the strategic retreat of Russian troops by Gen. Alexander Suvorov through the Swiss Alps. Medvedev also planned to meet with Jacques Rogge, the International Olympic Committee president.