The CSTO has special responsibility, as discussed during a meeting between the President of Belarus and the CSTO Secretary General, Nikolai Bordyuzha. Mr. Lukashenko asked the General Secretary to share his views on the post-Soviet space situation, and on the CSTO in particular, asking, “What should be done to ensure prompt response to pending issues?”
The Belarusian Head of State believes that all problems impacting on the performance of the organisation must be dealt with, to prevent it from becoming another ‘fictitious organisation’.
In his report, Mr. Bordyuzha spoke frankly, saying, “According to our estimates, agreed by the Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting, held recently in Tajikistan, the situation is acute. Our primary concern is NATO’s attempt to become involved in this process and in events in Ukraine. This includes the demonstrative sending of instructors, participation in information-psychological operations and the expansion of heavy armaments, including recharging the USA contingent. Troops command points are being set up in six countries, which is nothing less than the establishment of infrastructure for war. Of course, we’re concerned and the situation is no better elsewhere, with most ‘frozen’ conflicts escalating.”
Today’s major task is the taking of preventive steps to neutralise possible threats to CSTO member states. Mr. Bordyuzha has informed the President of several proposals regarding military co-operation and Mr. Lukashenko has approved a number of these.
By Vladimir Velikhov
