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Belarus begins armed forces readiness check

Defense Ministry: tests will encompass all military control agencies at all levels - strategic, operative, and tactical, military units of all arms and services and also territorial troops

MINSK, January 21 (Itar-Tass) - Belarus has begun to check the combat readiness of its armed forces following instructions from President Aleksandr Lukashenko.

“The tests will encompass all military control agencies at all levels - strategic, operative, and tactical, military units of all arms and services and also territorial troops,” the Defense Ministry said.

A Russia-provided air defense missile battery Tor-M2 will enter duty. It will be checked as an organic unit of the country’s air defenses.

“Earlier, the complex underwent live firing tests at the Ashuluk test site, in Russia. Now it will be tested within the Belarussian air defense system,” the ministry said.

“The emphasis will be on the readiness of Air Force and Air Defense units, which guard the country’s air space and the external borders of the Russia-Belarus Union State,” the ministry said.

In view of the forthcoming 2014 World Ice Hockey Championship the Belarussian capital Minsk is to host in May special attention will be paid to the security crucial facilities, transport links and the state border.

“The check is comprehensive,” the Defense Ministry said.

Last week President Lukashenko set the task of holding surprise combat readiness checks when he heard a report from Security Council Secretary Aleksandr Mizhuyev.

“There are no untouchables in the country. We should check whether the people wearing military uniform are prepared to act fast any time and in any situation,” Lukashenko said.