Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 1 December (BelTA) – Belarus’ initiatives to resolve the conflict in Ukraine were recognized around the world, Metropolitan of Minsk and Mogilev, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz said during the international conference "The 70th anniversary of the UN. Kazakhstan and Belarus’s initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and security”, BelTA has learned.

“None of us could have imagined the tragedy that unfolded in this brotherly country. Belarus’ peace initiatives to resolve the conflict in Ukraine have been recognized worldwide,” noted the Metropolitan. He recalled that as a result of the Norman Quartet negotiations the well-known Minsk accords were signed in the Belarusian capital. Thanks to them the situation in the East of Ukraine has started changing for the better. "Regular meetings to resolve the crisis in Ukraine continue to this day. Thus, the capital of Belarus has become a platform of peace,” said Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz.

According to him, the Catholic Church continues to pray for the success of the peacekeeping mission of Minsk. “Our country and our faithful do not remain indifferent to the fate of many thousands of refugees from Ukraine, and we try to help them to the best of our ability,” he said.

Kazakhstan’s initiatives aimed at addressing various issues of the current international agenda are also important, the Metropolitan said. “The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana is of great significance. This international forum has become a generally accepted place to make peace between various religions and nations,” said Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz.

In his words, the religious issue is often the reason for many conflicts, including armed ones. “Both Belarus and Kazakhstan can be proud of their good and constructive relations between various faiths. This fact plays a positive role in the life of our countries and has its impact on the international community,” the Metropolitan is confident.