Belarus to introduce a single emergency call number

Belarus is soon to introduce a single emergency number -- 112. At the same time, the old numbers 101, 102 and 103 will remain operational, according to the Belapan news agency citing a president's decree. Viktar Huminski, a member of parliament, said the long-time experience of the 911 emergency call service in the United States and Canada and 112 in the western Europe proved it was efficient for the population.

The single number also ensures a better coordination between various services when they have to respond to emergencies.

The legislaton also envisages that emergencies ministry personnel can carry firearmes.