CSTO to hold large-scale training exercises in 2015

It was said by CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha at the press-conference in Moscow on 30 January, BelTA has learned.

In particular, it is planned to carry out large-scale drills with participation of the Collective Rapid Response Forces (CRRF). In September-October Armenia will host exercises of CSTO's peacekeeping forces. Besides, the drug control services and the law enforcement agencies of the CSTO member states will also conduct military exercises in 2015.

We remind that the CSTO members approved and signed a draft decision on forming the Collective Rapid Response Forces (CRRF) on February 4, 2009. They are supposed to be used to “repulse military aggression, conduct special, anti-terrorist operations, fight transnational crime and drug trafficking and neutralize the effects of natural disasters”.

Belarusian opposition leaders condemned the agreement on forming the CSTO CRRF calling them punitive forces that will defend CIS dictators. The formation of the forces contradicts the country's neutral status and the Belarusian Constitution.