MOSCOW, July 18 (Interfax)--Former Security Council Secretary Gen. Aleksandr Lebed has voiced doubts whether the presidential decree on reforming the armed forces contains concrete mechanisms for implementing the changes it envisages.

"The absence of an answer to a number of questions prevents me from being optimistic about the latest presidential decree on reforming the armed forces," Lebed's statement received by Interfax Friday stated.

First, Lebed said, the mechanism of implementing the decree is not clear. Second, the source of financing is not clear. Where will the government get the money to carry out all procedures prescribed by law related to the dismissal of such a number of servicemen -- severance pay, housing and retraining? Third, how will the enforcement of the decree be controlled? Will independent experts and institutions be involved? "This is especially important because such a large-scale reduction of the armed forces implies the release of an enormous amount of military equipment and property. Will it be embezzled as has been the case many times before?" Lebed asked.

Lebed admitted that he has not seen the decree himself and said it was possible his questions had been answered. "However, my previous experience of working with government documents of such a level gives reason to believe that my fears are grounded," Lebed said.

Under the decree, the signing of which was reported by the presidential press service Friday, as of January 1, 1999, the personnel of the Russian armed forces is to be 1.2 million, hence in 1997-1998 the Defense Ministry is to cut it in stages by 0.5 million.

By January 1, 1998, the Strategic Rocket Forces, the Military Space Force and the air defense forces are to be united into a strategic missile force consisting of missile armies, military units, launch and control institutions for military space flights, missile and space defense formations. The department of the ground forces commander-in-chief is to be transformed into the Ground Force Main Department. By January 1, 1999, the air force and air defense are to be combined into a single service arm.

Military districts will be given the status of operational strategic or territorial commands of the armed forces in respective strategic directions. Military districts will be in charge of operational leadership of formations and units of the armed forces and other troops on defense matters in their territories. The government is to submit proposals on the directed financing of the reduction of the armed forces, including social security for dismissed servicemen.

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Johnson's Russia List

#1071

22 July 1997

djohnson@cdi.org