Events

Lukashenko makes new appointments to KGB

MINSK, 23 July (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko made new appointments to the State Security Committee (KGB) on 23 July, BelTA has learned.

The agency’s tasks have been updated and clearly defined. The head of state placed special emphasis on strengthening the coordinating role of the State Secretariat of the Security Council and the state secretary personally.

“We are slightly restructuring the State Security Committee to strengthen the State Secretariat and its influence and impact on the KGB,” the Belarusian leader stated.

Addressing State Secretary of the Security Council Aleksandr Volfovich, he explained: “This should be similar to how you interact with the military. Since you are a military man yourself, that is a good thing. You are in your element here. You have slightly less contact with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but that’s easier. But the KGB seems like terra incognita: ‘I won’t interfere [meaning the head of the State Secretariat of the Security Council], they report directly to the president, so let it be.’”

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that, in this sense, the State Secretariat must not lose sight of the KGB either.

In this regard, Aleksandr Volfovich noted that his first deputy at the State Secretariat of the Security Council is currently a KGB general.

“It’s good that he is the first deputy. But he is just a deputy. I am talking about the State Secretariat as a whole,” the Belarusian president responded.

“I want you to understand that the role of the state secretary and the state secretariat will be enhanced. Clearly, there are details and nuances that are reported only to the president, and the KGB chairman knows this. Foreign intelligence, networks, stations, and so on. Only the president should know this. This information must not leak or spread. There are certain matters where information is reported to get consent, approval, or to discuss a plan or a program,” the head of state said. “But when it comes to organizational and personnel matters where things need to be discussed, the state secretary and the state secretariat must keep an eye on them. Just as the government deals with ministries, the state secretariat must deal with all security agencies. And report to the president.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that this does not mean he will not have direct contacts with the defense minister or, moreover, with the KGB chairman, who reports directly to the president: “There are direct relations. I keep an eye on this because people in uniform are very proud. And this is the president’s zone of responsibility.”

“I often tell the state secretary: ‘You are the president’s assistant on these matters.’ But despite this, your role as state secretary will be enhanced starting today. That is why I invited you here, so that you understand it clearly. Without any excesses,” the head of state said.

Lukashenko hears report on Belarus’ defense, security

MINSK, 23 July (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko heard a report from State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Aleksandr Volfovich and Chairman of the State Security Committee (KGB) Ivan Tertel after a meeting on new appointments on 23 July, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.

“On 23 July Aleksandr Lukashenko heard a report from State Secretary of the Security Council Aleksandr Volfovich and Chairman of the State Security Committee (KGB) Ivan Tertel on Belarus’ defense and security issues,” the press service said.