Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 January (BelTA) – The new Military Doctrine of Belarus remains defense-oriented, Belarus’ Defense Minister Andrei Ravkov told reporters on 22 January, BelTA has learned.

The minister remarked that the previous Military Doctrine fulfilled its tasks in full. For almost 14 years it has been a source of measures to tackle the changes and threats outlined in the National Security Concept, he said.

According to Andrei Ravkov, after the evaluation of the situation it was clear that the doctrine needed updating. In fact, the new document is the continuation of the existing Military Doctrine; it takes into account the present-day external and internal situation and enables the state to make necessary decisions depending on the situation.

“The external and internal situations have changed. So have the approaches to armed conflicts and to the forces and means used in these armed conflicts have changed. Therefore, today we have a brand-new document, the defense focus of which has been preserved,” the minister noted.

“We do not view anyone as our enemy. It is part and parcel of our military policy. We do not have any enemies. But if anything happens we can use the entire spectrum of measures of the military organization of the state to see off possible challenges and threats,” Andrei Ravkov said.

“The doctrine is the document which helps track challenges and threats, respond to the changing situation in our country and in neighboring states, including terrorist threats both in the adjacent and distant countries which might be involved. This doctrine shows that we will continue maintaining and enhancing the security of our state, strengthening peace, accord and calm on our soil,” the minister added.