MINSK, 3 September (BelTA) – Ivan Tertel has been appointed Chairman of the State Security Committee (KGB) of Belarus. He previously led the country's State Control Committee. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the corresponding personnel decision on 3 September, BelTA has learned.
Vasily Gerasimov, first deputy chairman of the State Control Committee, will perform duties of the chairman of the agency.
“As for the State Control Committee, it would not be very desirable to pull Ivan Stanislavovich from this post. He has already made progress there. He did not understand why I often asked him how his first deputy performed, especially when he was on a trip to Grodno. I was interested in his opinion. He always noted that Gerasimov was a capable manager, a good assistant. I believe it is true. However, you will have to gradually prove that the State Control Committee is in firm hands,” the head of state said.
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the management of the State Security Committee and the State Control Committee will have to work together in some areas, especially in the fight against corruption, financial irregularities and crimes, embezzlement of public funds. This is due to the fact that the budget, state property and property in general are under the scrutiny of the State Control Committee, but the relevant issues are also within the competence of the State Security Committee. “You have to ensure good teamwork to avoid overlapping and show efficiency,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
The head of state said that the State Control Committee should take over some functions and powers of the State Security Committee. “It is necessary to free the KGB from the functions that are unnatural to it. I believe it will always be eyes and ears for the State Control Committee on the main issues of its activity. The State Control Committee will deal with investigation and bringing cases to court together with the prosecutor. This teamwork is very important for me in our state. You will have to reformat the activities of the State Security Committee and the State Control Committee in this direction,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He added that Valery Vakulchik, who led the KGB and now heads the State Secretariat of the Security Council, is well aware of these issues. “He, together with the Head of the Belarus President Administration [Igor Sergeyenko, who previously worked in the KGB as well], will be a good help for you. They will always give a sensible, necessary advice and help organize the work if necessary,” the president said.
