23 Sep 2013 15:30

CSTO countries be ready for any scenario of events in Afghanistan - Putin

SOCHI. Sept 23 (Interfax) - The countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) should be ready for any scenario of events in Afghanistan after the troops of the Western coalition leave the country.

"We should be ready for any development of events in this country," Putin said when opening a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council.

Putin said increasing the combat preparedness and efficiency of the CSTO Collective Security Forces helps prevent terrorist and extremist threats, which is especially important in view of the planned withdrawal of coalition troops from Afghanistan in 2014.

In this regard, Putin suggested discussing issues relating to the strengthening and protection of the Tajik-Afghan border.