August 11, 2009 - 13:12 AMT
Medvedev proposes that Russian army be deployed beyond the country's borders
RF President Dmitry Medevedev has introduced to parliament a bill on reforming the federal law "On Defense". New Amendments envisage procedures for establishing armed forces' control beyond Russia's national territory, President said Monday in Sochi, in a non-official meeting with parliamentary faction leaders.

As specified by Kremlin press service, amendments were elaborated in compliance with clause 5 of recommendation appendix, drawn up after President's February 17 meeting with Federation Council members. They are aimed at "creating a legal mechanism enabling President to effectively use RF armed forces beyond the country's borders."

President will be probably vested with the right to be the sole decision maker in the sphere for repelling attacks against Russian troops deployed beyond the country's borders, repelling or preventing aggression against another state, protecting RF citizens, combating piracy and ensuring security of sailing vessels.

Formerly, president had to obtain Federation Council's consent for deploying armed forces beyond the country's borders.

In July 2006, RA State Duma approved legislative amendments, enabling President "to make decision on deploying armed forces detachments and riot police forces beyond Russia's borders, for combating terrorist acts against Russia or Russian citizens or stateless individuals residing in Russia."

The amended version of the appendix concerning emergency situations reads as follows: "repelling aggression" or preventing possible aggression against third states.