Belarusian Rapid Response Squad to be included in CSTO punitive troops
11- 3.06.2009, 12:27
As “Nezavisimaya Gazeta” states, it manages to get information about the personnel strength of the CRRF. The forces will be composed of 15–20 thousand people.
The military component of the CRRF will consist of constant combat readiness unit and divisions. They wil be ready for rapid lift in any point of CSTO responsibility zone. It is known, in particular, that Russia is to suggest an airborne division and an air assault brigade, and Belarus, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan will offer an air assault brigade each, “Nezavisimaya Gazeta” reports.
The CRRF will also get special purpose forces (law enforcement agencies or militia, internal troops, security agencies and special services, as well as emergency recovery groups) at its disposal.
Russia may offer Zubr special purpose militia squad, Rys special forces militia squad, Lider emergency group, Belarus will offer a special rapid response squad of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kyrgyzstan will suggest a special rapid response squad of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“Nezavisimaya Gazeta” also reminds that a session of the Council of Defense Ministers will take place in Moscow on June 3, heads of security councils of the CSTO member states will meet in Minsk on June 5, and the Council of Foreign Ministers will have a session next week. The heads of state are supposed to complete contingent formation at a session of the Collective Security Council on June 14.
On February 4, 2009, the CSTO members signed a draft agreement on creation of the Collective Rapid Reponses Forces. It is planned to use them to “repel military aggression, transnational carry out special operations to counter international terrorism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and eliminate emergencies.”
According to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the CRRF will be as effective as similar NATO agencies.
The Belarusian opposition leaders condemned signing the agreement on CRRF creation within the CSTO and called them punitive forces that will defend CIS dictators. Creation of these forces contradicts neutral status of Belarus and the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus.
It should be noticed that the world community suspects former commander of the special purpose squad Dzmitry Paulichenka of involvement in kidnapping famous Belarusian politicians. The special purpose squad took part in brutal dispersals of peaceful opposition demonstrations.
