Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 1 November (BelTA) – I am impressed with the stance and proposals of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) Wolfgang Ischinger said at a press conference in Minsk on 1 November, BelTA informs.

"I was deeply impressed by the commitment and aspiration to resolve the conflict, which was expressed by President Alexander Lukashenko during the yesterday’s meeting. I was impressed by the attitude and desire to resolve the situation in the east of Ukraine as soon as possible, to achieve peace there. I hope that interesting proposals which the president put forward, including the mission in the east of Ukraine, will be taken into account. I was most impressed by Belarus’ readiness to provide its resources for such a mission in eastern Ukraine,” the MSC chairman said.

Talking to the media, Wolfgang Ischinger stated that in fact there is not any significant progress in the efforts being invested either within the Minsk negotiating process or the Normandy Four talks. Commenting on proposals to change the format, the MSC chairman stressed that progress will take place only when there is a corresponding political will from the parties involved.

“Expanding the format, changing the format, or the circle of participants can help, but political will remains the decisive moment here. I am deeply convinced and have repeatedly written that the United States should be at the negotiating table. I also believe that the European Union as a whole should be presented at the negotiating table, too,” said Wolfgang Ischinger.

He also stated that due to the ongoing electoral process in Ukraine, any cardinal changes are unlikely during this period. “We will have to show patience and wait for about another 5 months,” the MSC chairman said.

Wolfgang Ischinger reiterated that the innovative proposals made by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko can give impetus to the negotiation process and add new energy to it.

The MSC chairman also said that he would be happy to see the Belarusian head of state at the international event traditionally held in February. “I will be happy to welcome President Alexander Lukashenko when he is ready to take part in it, be it 2019 or 2020,” said Wolfgang Ischinger.