Стр. 13 - V

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Author : N. Bordyuzha
CSTO general secretary
During the 13 years that have passed since the estab-
lishment of the Collective Security Treaty Organiza-
tion in May 2002. through joint efforts, we have
created a multifunctional collective institution the
main goal of which is to strengthen peace, interna-
tional and regional security and stability, and to pro-
tect the independence, territorial integrity and
sovereignty of its member states on a collective basis.
Amid the growing military and political instability in
the world and in regions bordering the CSTO zone
of responsibility, the role of the organization's military component increases. Its core is consti-
tuted by the CSTO Collective Forces (Troops), which include bilateral and multilateral regional
and coalition forces, existing and newly established integrated air defense, communication, com-
mand and control systems, and collective defense technology and military economic cooperation
mechanisms.
Work is currently underway to provide the Collective Forces with modern and interoperable
models of arms, military and special equipment. The framework for cooperation in the defense
and technology sector regulates their manufacturing, supplies on a preferential basis and opera-
tion.
According to the Russian National Antiterrorist Committee, about 2,000 Russian citizens are
fighting on the side of ISIL. I believe that there are at least as many citizens from other post-So-
viet countries. Add here the well-organized terrorist training of our citizens in special camps in
Afghanistan and Pakistan.
It is impossible to ignore this extremely dangerous problem. Otherwise whole regions can be
plunged into bloody chaos.
In addition to the top priority political and diplomatic tools of ensuring collective security, we
have established a defense capability, which is constantly upgraded. Unfortunately, this is the
order of the day.
At the same time, it is important to note the active position on theUkraine crisis that has been
adopted by CSTO member countries in their national capacity. Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan
have, without a doubt, played a highly positive role in bringing about a settlement in southeastern
Ukraine. Their efforts have been instrumental in establishing a fragile but long-awaited ceasefire
in the Donets Basin, ensuring continuous humanitarian aid supplies to the war-ravaged popula-
tion, accepting hundreds of thousands of refugees and providing decent living conditions for
people in distress.
In May, the whole world will observe the great date: the 70th anniversary of Victory over German
Nazism, which was nurtured by Western democracies. Today, the need to observe the anniversary
of the Great Victory is important like never before. Nazis are again rearing their ugly heads.
The CSTO and the Modern Unstable World