ASHGABAT, 11 October (BelTA) – The adoption of a declaration of responsible countries on the non-deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles in Europe could become an important step to reduce tension, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he spoke at the CIS summit in Ashgabat on 11 October, BelTA has learned.
According to the head of state, Belarus has put forward an initiative on non-deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles in Europe. “After the termination of the relevant treaty, it becomes very likely that such weapons will appear in the European part of the continent. This inevitably entails a threat of a new round of military confrontation,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
“Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin], we fully support you here. We will prepare a response to the statement you sent around the world. We need to pay serious attention to this. These are not just problems of Russia that is trying to restore the status quo and keep particularly dangerous weapons under control. We cannot allow such missiles in Europe,” said the Belarusian leader.
In his words, Belarus, as a full-fledged party to the treaty, has not withdrawn from it and does not intend to do so in the future if there are no threats to the security of the country.
Minsk suggests developing a declaration of responsible countries on the non-deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles in Europe. “The adoption of such a document would be an important step in reducing tension, restoring trust and strengthening international security,” the president said.
