Events

MINSK, 16 June (BelTA) – The Ukrainian crisis shows that no additional arguments are needed and that the OSCE role should be strengthened, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier and Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Michael Georg Link on 16 June, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded that some time ago Belarus and other post-Soviet countries suggested their vision of the OSCE reforms. “Unfortunately, these proposals are still under consideration, or they are blocked by a number of states. But the Ukrainian crisis shows that we do not need additional arguments to agree on the enhancement of the organization's role,” the head of state said.

The President noted that Belarus’ position regarding the operation of the OSCE is known. “We are in favor of building up the role of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We believe that the reformation of the organization should be aimed at enhancing its role,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that he does not mean that the OSCE does not play any role in the resolution of the situation in Ukraine. “It is quite the opposite. This is the only organization which plays an important role in the settlement and ceasefire in Ukraine. But we would like the OSCE to step up efforts and to play a more prominent role in the normalization of the situation in Ukraine,” the head of state said.

Speaking about the role of Belarus, the Belarusian leader said that the OSCE, which is an engine in the crisis settlement and engagement of the country in this process, is aware of it.

He explained why Belarus is interested in the prompt settlement of the situation in Ukraine. “This conflict, this war is going near our borders. This is happening not in such remote countries as Libya, Syria or Iraq; this is a neighboring country. Therefore, we are concerned about the situation and would like to prevent the escalation of the conflict,” Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.