CSTO members agree on the use of the Collective Rapid Deployment Force to prevent coups d'état

August 30, Minsk /BelTA correspondent/. CSTO member states are agreeing on the use of the Collective Operational Response Forces to prevent coups d'état. This was discussed today at a meeting between President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha, BelTA correspondent reports.

The head of state emphasized that significant events are taking place during Belarus's presidency in the CSTO, which will undoubtedly lead to positive changes. Alexander Lukashenko noted that during a recent meeting with Dmitry Medvedev in Sochi, the prospects for the CSTO's development were the first block of issues discussed. "We frankly expressed our positions on the most pressing issues of the informal summit in Astana. If we implement everything that was discussed, especially regarding the use of collective response forces, it will be undeniable progress," the Belarusian leader noted.

According to him, this concerns not only the use of collective operational response forces in case of external interference by other states, but also interference by other states within CSTO countries.

"We seriously discussed this issue, and it will be significant support for the countries that are members of the CSTO," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. At the same time, he noted: "No one will attack us with a front or war today, but many are itching to carry out a constitutional coup."

The President of Belarus stressed: "We must protect the integrity and independence of the CSTO countries."

"Regarding the issue of armaments for the Collective Operational Response Forces, Medvedev supported the Belarusian side in that these forces need to be urgently re-armed and re-equipped if we want to have this cohesive organization," the President noted.

Alexander Lukashenko also noted that during his meeting with Dmitry Medvedev in Sochi, the membership of countries in the CSTO was also discussed in connection with Uzbekistan's position. "We agreed that we will act in a consolidated, unified manner with Russia to preserve the organization. If someone does not want to fulfill the statutory functions of the organization, then they should leave it and not hinder others," Alexander Lukashenko noted.

"I am in full solidarity with the Russian side, we have unity on all issues," said the head of the Belarusian state.

He also emphasized that following the summit in Astana, all issues should be formalized and sent to other states for implementation.

Alexander Lukashenko also reported that some other issues raised at the informal summit were discussed in his conversation with Dmitry Medvedev.-0-