In response to RIA Novosti's question as to his recent statement on the possibility of delivering preventive strikes against terrorist bases in various regions of the world, Chief of the General Staff Yuri Baluyevsky said: "We do not threaten anybody, but such forms of actions reflect our legitimate right to protect our compatriots."
At the same time, the chief of the General Staff emphasized that he would not name the countries, where it might happen.
"Let us leave it off-screen, so that those at whom these actions may be aimed do not disband," said Gen. Baluyevsky.
"If we have information that there are terrorist bases on the territory of a neighboring state and do not come to understanding with that state, the issue of delivering preventive strikes against these bases will arise," he said.
The decision on delivering preventive strikes against terrorist bases will be taken only at the president's sanction, stressed Gen. Baluyevsky at the same time.
According to Gen. Baluyevsky, joint efforts of the security agencies prevented a series of terrorist attacks on the Russian territory.
Speaking about the tragic events in Beslan, Gen. Baluyevsky pointed out that there was "clear understanding of the fact that activities of the security agencies in such situations must be well-coordinated."
"And we submitted our legislative proposals providing for more precise legal grounds of use of the Armed Forces for containment of terrorists' activities in case of a large-scale hostage taking," he stated.
