English

Developments in Ukraine involve Belarus' national interests, Foreign Minister Makey says

The current developments in Ukraine involve Belarus' national interests, Foreign Minister Uladzimir Makey said earlier this week in an interview with Cuba's state news agency Prensa Latina.

Photo mfa.gov.by

"Ukraine is our second most important trade and economic partner in the post-Soviet region after Russia," Mr. Makey said. "Our trade with Ukraine amounted to $8 billion last year and we had a trade surplus. We have a common border with Ukraine, which stretches for over 1,000 kilometers. So we are very much concerned about the things that are happening in Ukraine."

"It seems to us that there is a carefully orchestrated campaign aimed at splitting brotherly Slavic nations," Mr. Makey said. "Given the developments in Ukraine, one can talk about a rise in instability and insecurity in the region. NATO’s forces in countries neighboring Belarus are getting stronger. In addition, a large number of weapons have disappeared from arsenals and depots in Ukraine. Economically, Ukraine is experiencing very hard times."

"If we fail to take all necessary measures now to organize a dialogue, sit down at the negotiating table, involve all the sides participating in the conflict and set the task of achieving peace and harmony in the country on uniting rather than disuniting principles, and if this does not happen, then I am afraid we may return to the worst times of the Cold War, and witness the emergence of new dividing lines in Europe and threats and blackmail on the part of some big states against other big states."

According to Mr. Makey, Belarus has always suggested that the sides should establish a dialogue and try to settle the conflict as soon as possible. //BelaPAN