Opinions & Interviews

Belarus advocates direct dialogue between parties to Ukrainian conflict

MINSK, 6 May (BelTA) - Direct dialogue between the parties involved in the Ukrainian conflict is vital, Belarusian First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lukashevich said in an interview with the Brazilian publication O Mundo Diplomatico, BelTA has learned.

According to the diplomat, when assessing the prospects for resolving the Ukrainian crisis, it is important to consider not only diplomatic efforts but also the underlying causes of the conflict, without which lasting peace is impossible. “In any case, direct dialogue between the parties is vital,” Sergei Lukashevich stated.

“The conflict between close-knit peoples is a great tragedy. From the very beginning, we have been taking measures to maintain peace and trying to prevent the conflict from escalating. In 2022, Belarus provided a platform for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Although there was no immediate breakthrough, the three rounds of meetings made it possible to resolve urgent issues, such as the organization of humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians and the delivery of aid to areas dangerously close to the line of contact,” he recalled.

Belarus has a positive experience of providing a platform for negotiations within the framework of the work of the Trilateral Contact Group on the settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine, Sergei Lukashevich noted. Belarus continues to offer its territory for the exchange of dead and prisoners of war between the two sides.

“Belarus is ready to do its utmost to continue substantive negotiations on the issues of peaceful settlement in Ukraine and has expressed interest in participating directly in them. Belarus' voice must be heard at the negotiating table and the final agreements must also take into account the interests of the Belarusian side,” Sergei Lukashevich stressed.

MFA hails Belarus’ role in maintaining long-term peace in region

INSK, 6 May (BelTA) - It is impossible to imagine maintaining long-term peace and security in the region without Belarus’ full involvement, Belarusian First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lukashevich said in an interview with the Brazilian publication O Mundo Diplomatico, BelTA has learned.

The diplomat stressed that Belarus borders both Russia and Ukraine and is directly affected by the consequences of the conflict.

“We have provided shelter and refuge to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing hostilities. Without our country’s full involvement, it is impossible to imagine maintaining long-term peace and security in the region,” Sergei Lukashevich said.

He also mentioned other multilateral peace initiatives, including the Friends of Peace group, set up by China, Brazil and like-minded countries from the Global South. Sergei Lukashevich emphasized that this shows the growing demand for effective peace negotiations on Ukraine, as everyone has long been tired of war.

“This initiative, like any other peace proposal, is currently facing different assessments, including criticism. However, the search for new formats of dialogue certainly does not lose its value and relevance,” he stated.

Belarus, like Brazil, sees the need for a platform where different points of view can be expressed and heard and where mutually acceptable solutions can be developed, Sergei Lukashevich added.

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