Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 11 February (BelTA) – The international importance of the meeting in Minsk within the framework of the Normandy format is immense. Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko made the statement as he met with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 11 January, BelTA has learned.

“I am convinced that eyes of the entire world are fixed on Minsk today. The entire world is waiting to see whether the situation will follow the way of de-escalation, ceasefire, withdrawal of weapons with no more human lives lost or if Minsk doesn’t become this symbol, the situation will actually fall apart. I am convinced that there is a risk it may go out of control,” stated Petro Poroshenko.

Petro Poroshenko mentioned the strong international interest in the Minsk meeting within the framework of the “Normandy format”. “It is symbolical that the meeting is taking place in Minsk. Today the peace process in Ukraine is connected with the Minsk protocol of 5 September, the Minsk memorandum of 19 September and I keep my fingers crossed in favor of this day going down in the history of global diplomacy as the date when the agreement on peace was reached,” said the President of Ukraine.

Petro Poroshenko also stressed that the Belarusian side and Alexander Lukashenko personally had done everything necessary to organize the meeting. “You told me that Minsk is ready to do its best at any time to contribute to de-escalation, peace, and the reduction of tension,” noted Petro Poroshenko.

“The international recognition of Minsk has changed by a lot over the last 4-5 months. I am extremely pleased with it and once again would like to thank you for the effective organization of the work,” concluded the President of Ukraine.