Events

MINSK, 15 May (BelTA) - Belarus calls on all parties to the conflict in Ukraine to sit down at the negotiating table immediately, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Belarus Dmitry Mironchik told a press briefing on 15 May, BelTA has learned.

“The position of Belarus on the issue of federalization in Ukraine was voiced by the head of state a long time ago, and it remains unchanged. We have repeatedly called upon all parties to the Ukrainian conflict to fully understand their responsibility for the future of Ukraine and, casting aside the ambitions, sit down at the negotiating table immediately,” said the Foreign Ministry spokesman. “We believe that the solution to the conflict must be based on the unifying rather than divisive principles, and it must be negotiated primarily by means of a nationwide dialogue which would represent the interests of all forces that are on different sides of the barricades today,” he added.

With regard to the forthcoming presidential election in Ukraine, Dmitry Mironchik stressed that Ukrainian people have an inalienable sovereign right to make their own choices regarding their country’s future, and the election, in his opinion, is the best, most appropriate and democratic form of realization of such a right. "We believe that in the current situation, Ukraine badly needs a stable government whose legitimacy would be based on the results of the election. At the same time it is important that all citizens in all regions of the country should have the opportunity to express their will freely,” he added.

Belarus will send its representatives to monitor the forthcoming presidential polls in Ukraine. They will work both in their national capacity and as part of regional organizations. This will help formulate an adequate assessment of the election, said Dmitry Mironchik.

When asked at what level the contacts between Minsk and Kyiv are maintained, Dmitry Mironchik stated that they are maintained at all the levels, which is essential to maintaining the relations between the two neighboring friendly countries.