Meeting with CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is an important organization, and we must develop it, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas on 15 October.

“The events here in August and the reaction to these events, first of all, in Russia show that this organization is very important, and we must develop it. In a conversation with Putin I spoke about it: now we have, probably, realized what the CSTO is and why we need it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President recalled that a few years ago a new military doctrine had been adopted in Belarus. It included provisions on such phenomena as hybrid wars and color revolutions.

“Something like that could have happened in Belarus. Therefore, we had to respond and to demonstrate force as well. We looked at the entire western region, found our range, as they say in the army. Probably, it helped those abroad to come to their senses and to realize that our fist is strong and we can respond seriously. Therefore, the CSTO should exist, we will take an active part in it. Even if it is uncomfortable for someone, we will work there,” the head of state said.

“Therefore, in the period of Belarus’ leadership we would like the CSTO secretary general to adhere to the agreed position and to encourage efficient work. You will have absolute support on our behalf,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

Apart from that, the President asked a few personal questions to Stanislav Zas. “Have you adapted there or not? It’s better not to strike root, but to feel comfortable enough to work well,” he said.

“I’m fine, but I am not going to stay there forever,” Stanistav Zas answered.

“To stay? No, it’s out of the question!” the head of state said.

“My tenure has a specified time limit, I am doing my best, and then I will come back,” the Belarusian general said. “As far as the situation is concerned, the pandemic has a very strong influence this year. The first stage is already behind, now the second wave has come – there is an increase in all our countries. Russia posted an anti-record yesterday: 244 people died within 24 hours. The situation is not easy. However, such restrictive measures [like before] are not applied.”