Sergei Rachkov: The CSTO PA mission always works on the basis of political neutrality, that is our approach in Serbia

Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Standing Commission for International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, participant of the Coordination Meeting of the Chairpersons of the Committees (Commissions) on Defence and Security of the Parliaments of the CSTO PA Member States and international observer of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly at the regular presidential and early parliamentary elections in the Republic of Serbia, is confident that Belarus and Serbia have much in common. “They have similar histories, and today both countries are experiencing almost identical pressure from the outside,” Sergei Rachkov said.
He believes it is very important that the Serbian side has invited the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly to monitor the presidential and parliamentary elections. “This is especially important due to the fact that, for the first time, a mission of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly will be involved in international observation in a country that is not a member of the Organization. In fact, it is outside the CSTO’s area of responsibility,” stresses the parliamentarian.
“Nevertheless, Serbian parliamentarians are observers in the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly and actively participate in our events, and it is important that we, at this important moment for Serbia, work here,” Sergei Rachkov says.
The Chairman of the Standing Commission for International Affairs and National Security of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus reminds that the CSTO PA observation mission always works on the basis of political neutrality and non-interference in the internal affairs of the host country.
“This is our approach, and it remains so during the election observation in the Republic of Serbia,” says Sergei Rachkov.
He drew attention to the fact that almost all observers of the CSTO PA noted the complexity of the current moment for the Republic.
“In general, the world is very turbulent: in fact, the world order is being reshaped,” says the Belarusian parliamentarian. “Like Belarus, Serbia is trying to preserve its place in this world order, to preserve its statehood. Politically, the Serbian leadership has to manoeuvre, taking into account that all of Serbia’s neighbours are members of the European Union, and some are getting ready to join NATO.”
“Of course, the pressure is unbelievable, just like the pressure on the Republic of Belarus. Because the Republic of Belarus has chosen its own path of development, above all, together with the Russian Federation. Of course, many in the West are not happy about it, so there is a very serious pressure – political, diplomatic, economic – but we, Belarusians, are members of the CSTO, the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly, the EAEU, we want to do and we are doing everything in order to be together with our trusted friends,” says the Chairman of the Standing Commission for International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of the Republic of Belarus.