CIS calm about decision to deploy Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus

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Sergei Lebedev. An archive photo

Sergei Lebedev. An archive photo



MINSK, 30 March (BelTA) – The Commonwealth of Independent States responded with calm to the news about the decision to deploy Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, BelTA learned from Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Sergei Lebedev.

Sergei Lebedev said: “The Commonwealth of Independent States calmly accepted this decision. I am aware that tactical nuclear weapons of Americans are located in Europe. Both representatives of Russia have also mentioned it, including the Russian president, and Belarusian experts. For some reason the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons by the West along the borders of Russia and Belarus is considered normal. But when such an agreement is reached within the framework of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, the [West] started unjustified noise, wailing, and outcry right away. Once again it indicates double standards, duplicity and hypocrisy of Western politicians.”

In his words, the decision to deploy Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has been prompted by security goals of the two countries. “We see vigorous military activities near the borders of Belarus, for instance, in Poland. Among other things there are calls for deploying nuclear weapons in Poland,” CIS secretary general noted.

“I believe that the outcry in the West is unjustified and indicates double standards. And the measure has been adopted for the sake of security of the Union State,” Sergei Lebedev stressed. “It has already been reported that two buttons will have to be pushed. In other words, the decision to use nuclear weapons will have to be made by both states. We strongly hope it will not come to that, it is a preventive measure, it has already been said.”

A joint meeting of the Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives of the CIS member nations at the statutory and other bodies of the Commonwealth and the Commission on Economic Affairs under the CIS Economic Council is taking place at the CIS Executive Committee headquarters in Minsk on 30 March. The participants are expected to discuss eight talking points. Those include a draft agenda for the next meeting of the CIS Heads of Government Council, an analysis of preparations for the next meeting of the CIS Foreign Ministers Council, fulfillment of the roadmap on implementing the initiatives put forward by the heads of delegations during meetings of the CIS Heads of State Council, the CIS Heads of Government Council, the CIS Foreign Ministers Council, and the CIS Economic Council.

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