Opinions & Interviews

Belarusian FM: Hostilities in the Middle East must be stopped

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MINSK, 19 October (BelTA) - Hostilities in the Middle East must be stopped, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Aleinik told the media in Minsk on 19 October, BelTA has learned.

"We are appalled by the increasing number of casualties and victims among civilians, women and children as a result of the growing escalation of the Middle East conflict," the minister said. "The scale of this tragedy, the scale of civilian casualties and the attack on the hospital in the Gaza Strip is inhumane and horrific. Attacks on civilians are unacceptable."

"History shows that war is always a tragedy," he continued. “A tragedy for both sides, because war brings death and destruction. We believe that the continuation of escalation, terror and disproportionate use of force, including against the civilian population, can lead to irreversible consequences not only in the Middle East region but also in the world as a whole."

"We have always advocated an exclusively peaceful settlement of the conflict. The bloodshed must be stopped and the hostilities ended. The world is waiting for a truce and an end to the bloodshed," Sergei Aleinik stressed.

In this context, the Belarusian side is dealing with another important topic. "I am talking about a rather difficult situation with our citizens. We are dealing with these issues. In the difficult conditions in which the entire region now finds itself, it is still difficult to talk about any results. Once we get concrete results, we will inform you," the minister said.

He informed that the Belarusian side had received permission from the Israeli authorities for Belavia’s humanitarian flight. "As of today, there is only one obstacle left: the U.S. sanctions against our national air carrier," Sergei Aleinik said. "This is what the so-called U.S. concern for Belarusian citizens looks like."

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