Belarus’ updated Military Doctrine touted as basis for resolving situation in Europe

The updated Military Doctrine can be used as a basis for resolving the situation in Europe and for starting a peace dialogue, BelTA learned from Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin at a media briefing.

Viktor Khrenin said: “Taking into account all the amendments and addenda the draft Military Doctrine is actually a new document. An entire lineup of innovations has been incorporated into it in furtherance of the current document.”

The defense minister said he was confident that the updated Military Doctrine can be used as the basis for resolving the situation in Europe and for starting a peace dialogue. “First of all, with this document we demonstrate Belarus’ preoccupation with restoring the influence of international organizations such as the United Nations Organization, OSCE, and other ones on security, interest in their effective operation with a view to preventing and resolving armed clashes,” he stressed.

Viktor Khrenin also remarked that the draft Military Doctrine stipulates that Belarus is open to cooperation in the military sphere with any countries. “Including with NATO countries. We are ready to resume a pragmatic dialogue provided they stop their aggressive rhetoric and actions against us,” he said.

The doctrine emphasizes the prevention of military conflicts, the defense minister pointed out. The list of military dangers includes the possible use of military force against Belarus in peacetime and in conditions of a military and political crisis.

“It is something we have to deal with at our southern and western borders at present. Certainly, provocations, armed actions, and incidents on the part of our neighbors per se do not represent a military conflict. But one has to respond to them. Primarily with strategic deterrence measures. This is what we do by demonstrating the high combat readiness of all components of the military organization of the state,” Viktor Khrenin stated.