Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 September (BelTA) - Belarus plans to initiate a resolution at the UN to prevent the development and manufacture of new types of weapons of mass destruction, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said in an interview to the Russian service of the UN Radio on 21 September, BelTA has learned.

“We wouldn't want another arms race which would have devastating consequences, primarily for small and medium-sized states. For us, peace and stability is the main condition for the economy to evolve and the state to develop. We, therefore, intend to make our contribution in this regard. We plan to initiate a resolution in the First Committee on the prevention of the development and manufacture of new types of weapons of mass destruction,” Vladimir Makei said.

The minister noted that many countries have failed to abandon confrontational rhetoric. He said he made such a conclusion by listening to many speakers during the current session of the UN General Assembly. “There is no understanding that we should sit down at the negotiating table and engage in a joint dialogue. Confrontational rhetoric continues. We absolutely do not agree with this,” Vladimir Makei noted.

He said that over the years of its independence Belarus has always promoted the ideas of peace, brotherhood, stability and security both in the region and in the world. “This year is is a jubilee year, for example, for the convention on the elimination of anti-personnel mines. Over the past three years, Belarus has destroyed nearly 3.5 million anti-personnel mines - the most dangerous, difficult to clear and to dispose of. We have destroyed all mines in accordance with the obligations we have undertaken,” the diplomat said.

“In general we think that greater awareness of the dangers of confrontational rhetoric is needed now. There should be more understanding of the need for genuine dialogue, even between conflicting parties. We are supporters of dialogue, always have been and will remain committed to the dialogue in all respects,” the Belarusian minister said.