Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 1 February (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko emphasized a special role of the State Security Committee (KGB) in ensuring the country’s security at a meeting with KGB Chairman Valery Vakulchik on 1 February, BelTA has learned.

“We are often criticized for keeping the old name of the State Security Committee. I can see, however, that today many of my counterparts envy us. They are envious not because we have preserved the traditions. Although, it is very important as well. We must not be ashamed of the old things. We were part of the system, but still there were fewer crimes here, in Belarus. So I will put it straight, we have nothing to be ashamed of,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

“The KGB is the accurate name now, in today's world. Due to the trends that have been happening in the world, we have kept the previous name, and this name is very important. We ensure the security of the state in all areas,” the Belarusian leader noted.

According to him, intelligence and counterintelligence are very important lines of work of the KGB. “These are the core activities of the KGB. The fight against terrorism is the most important area of work. The safety and security of our citizens are not about getting those who violate rules to account. For Belarus security primarily means the economic security today. The KGB also pays great attention to this work although the main actor in this area is the State Control Committee,” the head of state noted.