MOSCOW, Aug 21 (Interfax) -- The Russian Armed Forces will not be fully staffed by contract servicemen by 2005, First Deputy Chief of General Staff Colonel-General Valeriy Manilov said at a press conference in Moscow Thursday [21 August].

The implementation of these plans will depend "on the real

socioeconomic conditions," he said. "Contract service must be financially worthwhile," and "the population's negative attitude to the Armed Forces must be overcome," he said.

The concept of the military reform approved by the president and government is being implemented, he said. The Armed Forces will be reorganized with due account taken of the political and economic situation, and the defense capability and combat readiness of the Army will be preserved, he said.

"The reform will involve minimal expenses, and the number of structures in the Armed Forces will be optimized," he said. "In doing so, we must not exceed the limit of 3.5% of gross domestic product set by the president," he said. Money for implementing the reform will be obtained by selling released military property and infrastructure, he went on. "We insist that this property be sold under strict control of a commission comprising representatives of the Defense Ministry, State Property Committee and Ministry of Justice," Manilov said.

Among the main results of the reform is the revival of exercises. War games are being held by the Pacific and Baltic fleets and by the North Caucasus Military District, he said. "For the first time in recent years, officers have got an opportunity to do their chosen job," he added.

He announced that before September 1, 1997, proposals on restructuring the Armed Forces' central control bodies are expected to be approved. These proposals envisage considerable cuts in the number of officers, including generals.

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Johnson's Russia List

#1141

24 August 1997

djohnson@cdi.org