Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 8 November (BelTA) - Belarus intends to actively cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and contribute to peace, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media following the talks with ICRC President Peter Maurer, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus cherishes peace and human life. Having maintained peace and stability on its territory, Belarus intends to actively cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross and contribute to peace,” Vladimir Makei said.

The minister noted that the existence of such a unique organization like the ICRC, which is impartial in its activities and does not allow the politicization of humanitarian issues, inspires faith in a more just and peaceful world. “Belarus views and appreciates the International Committee of the Red Cross as a responsible partner. I am not sure whether Mr President will concur with me but we all would like to live in a world where the International Committee of the Red Cross would not be needed. But, unfortunately, the considerations, which many years ago inspired Henri Dunant to set up the committee, namely that the principle of humanity transcends the vagaries of war, remain relevant today,” the Belarusian diplomat said.

Peter Maurer said that when the International Committee of the Red Cross was established, the idea was that the organization would operate on a temporary basis. “We are concerned over the fact that we still exist. I now look at the budget, the ICRC staff: over the past five years they have doubled. This is an indicator that we live in a complex world,” the IRCR President said.