Republic

MINSK, 30 August (BelTA) – Members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization are discussing the use of the collective rapid response forces for the sake of preventing coups. The possibility was discussed as President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko met with CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordiuzha on 30 August. Alexander Lukashenko underlined that during Belarus’ presidency in the CSTO important events were taking place that would definitely lead to good changes. The President remarked that CSTO development prospects were the first thing to discuss at a recent meeting with Dmitry Medvedev in Sochi. “We plainly laid down our views on the most topical issues of the informal summit that took place in Astana. If we implement everything we discussed, particularly the use of the collective response forces, it would be progressive no doubt,” remarked the Belarusian head of state. In his words, the collective rapid response forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization may be used not only in response to external interference but also for the sake of interference inside the CSTO member states. “We discussed the problem seriously and it would be considerable support to CSTO member states,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko. He remarked: “Nobody is going to face us with open warfare but many are itching to stage a constitutional coup”. The President of Belarus underlined: “We must protect the integrity and independence of the CSTO member states”. “As far as armaments for the collective response forces are concerned, Medvedev backed Belarus’ view that the forces should be armed and manned as soon as possible if we want to have an integral organization,” remarked the President of Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko also remarked that at the Sochi meeting with Dmitry Medvedev the sides discussed CSTO membership in view of Uzbekistan’s stance. “We agreed that we will act together with Russia in order to preserve the organization. If someone doesn’t want to fulfill charter functions of the organization, they are free to leave not to interfere with others,” remarked Alexander Lukashenko. “I fully support the Russian side. We are united in views on all the matters,” said the Belarusian head of state. Alexander Lukashenko also underlined that all the matters should be formalized after the Astana summit and forwarded for implementation to other countries. Alexander Lukashenko also said that some other matters that were voiced at the informal summit had been touched upon during the talks with Dmitry Medvedev.

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