Meeting with special representative of OSCE chairperson-in-office in Ukraine Martin Sajdik

Belarus reaffirms its eagerness to take further efforts and support the peaceful settlement process in Ukraine, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Martin Sajdik, a special representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office in Ukraine and in the trilateral contact group, on 1 April.

 “I want to assure you that Belarus will always do its utmost to support the efforts of your group and you as the OSCE’s special representative in Ukraine. We will do everything for it. And I know your opinion that there are no complaints against us on behalf of the OSCE,” the head of state said. “If we can do more for peace in Ukraine, we are ready to do it. I have already said it many times.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that he is always keeping an eye on the events and the progress in the negotiations process in Minsk. “You are aware of my attitude, the attitude of Belarusians to this conflict. We analyze everything that you are saying, all your statements (and I hear all these statements). Our points of view are almost the same,” the President said. “Just like you and me, Belarusian people want peace in Ukraine. This is our republic, we used to live in one country for a long time. Fates of many Belarusian and Ukrainian families and people are intertwined. Ukraine is not an alien country for us.”

Martin Sajdik, in turn, thanked the Belarusian side for longstanding support and assistance. At the same time, he expressed regret that the sides had not managed to reconcile the conflict yet. “Minsk as a meeting place is what we need right now. We appreciate your patience and understanding. This conflicts lasts for too long, not only for people who are suffering from it,” he said.