MINSK. Nov 22 (Interfax) - Belarus should honor its security commitments within the framework of the Union State with Russia as it maps out its arms program for a period until 2015, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced Monday.
"Russia, which has virtually nothing in the western direction, is counting on the Belarusian Armed Forces and it has a right to do so, despite political rifts between us," Lukashenko said.
"We still have to perform our functions and to plan weapon purchases for our army in line with our international commitments," the Belarusian president said.
At the same time, he hinted that the program's financing would probably have to be adjusted to economic realities.
The Belarusian military oppose the revision.
"We need to carefully study the government's proposals for adjusting the volume of financing for the state arms program. We will probably have to correct something," Lukashenko said.
He complained that the economic crisis had had its impact on the Belarusian economy and regretted "having to discuss it here".
"The military are taking a tough and irreconcilable stance and the government cites economic reasons in support of its position," Lukashenko said.
He suggested examining the issue and making a decision proceeding from the present-day realities.