MINSK, 9 October (BelTA) – The situation in the sphere of fight against terrorism in Belarus remains stable and controllable but the country faces typical external challenges and threats. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the statement during the international conference on preventing and fighting terrorism in the digital age on 9 October, BelTA has learned.
According to the source, due to the transit geographical location Belarus faces the entire spectrum of external challenges and threats characteristic of the European region. The threats include terrorist militants among the foreigners travelling in transit via Belarus or temporarily staying in the country. The threats also include individual citizens of Belarus and other CIS states, who acquire combat experience abroad. Such people can be influenced by aggressive extremist ideas of foreign structures. Followers of radical religions may penetrate Belarus or Belarusian citizens can be recruited by extremist religious organizations. The propaganda and popularization of activities of radical Islamic and anarchic organizations on the Internet is also a threat.
“The participation of Belarusian citizens in armed conflicts in foreign countries represents a threat to national security. Measures are taken in Belarus to prevent the recruitment of Belarusian citizens. Five criminal cases were opened last year on charges of participation in an armed conflict in another country, participation in combat operations, recruiting or preparing people for such participation. Four people were convicted and another 12 were issued official warnings,” said the Belarusian minister of foreign affairs.
