The Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee discussed the draft novelties of the national security concept
Opening the event, Vyacheslav Durnov, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, emphasized that the topic of today's conversation is dictated by the times. The concept presented for broad discussion has been assessed by the Head of State and has undergone serious expert evaluations. All modern challenges are reflected in it. The Vitebsk region's active members, as well as the teaching staff of the region's higher education institutions, should express their opinions and remarks regarding the proposed novelties in the security sphere.
Pavel Muraveiko, who took direct part in the development of the concept, informed the attendees about the current military-political situation, its impact on Belarus, dwelled in detail on the response measures taken to challenges and threats, and familiarized them with the draft of the updated National Security Concept.
Currently, the global situation is developing amid an unprecedented exacerbation of the geopolitical situation. The inertia of existing mechanisms for conflict resolution, maintaining peace and harmony on the planet has reached such a point that these mechanisms have become ineffective, if not to say – inactive, emphasized Pavel Muraveiko. According to him, interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, destabilization of the internal political situation, and provocation of armed conflicts under the guise of democratization and the fight for human rights are becoming the norm in resolving interstate contradictions.
– Unfortunately, the US and its satellites do not want to accept that the unipolar world they created has changed, – noted the First Deputy State Secretary of the Security Council. – Today, Russia, China, and other centers of power must be reckoned with. The series of anti-colonial revolutions in Africa has also shown that these countries have the right to a voice on par with the so-called civilized West.
In recent years, there has been an increase in comprehensive economic pressure from the US and its partners against Belarus. Contrary to the interests of their own citizens, Western neighbors, primarily Poland, are showing particular zeal here.
– Despite Belarus's peace-loving policy, tensions are being heightened on the border, artificial restrictions are being created for mutually beneficial cargo transit, and all sorts of provocations continue. Recently, Lithuania closed two border crossing points, despite the negative reaction of residents of border areas who visit our country under the visa-free regime. Meanwhile, during its operation, about 700,000 EU citizens visited Belarus visa-free, the majority of whom (over 440,000 people) are citizens of Lithuania, about 50,000 Poles, – reported Pavel Muraveiko.
New challenges and threats are reflected in the updated Concept of National Security. During its discussion, proposals were made that will be taken into account when finalizing this strategic planning document.