Statement of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus in connection with the anniversary of the approval of «The Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements»

It is exactly one year ago that the leaders of the «Normandy Four» composed of Germany, Russia, France, and Ukraine, who met in the capital of Belarus, succeeded to agree on the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine and to approve a «road map» of peaceful settlement of the crisis.

This undoubtedly historic document which was called «The Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements» was signed by all participants of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) and gained support of

the UN Security Council. A powerful momentum was thus given to the process of de-escalating the conflict and searching for peaceful settlement in Ukraine.

The Republic of Belarus is convinced that despite certain difficulties and challenges related to practical implementation of the whole package of the Minsk Agreements there is no alternative today either to the agreements or to their implementation in good faith by all the parties.

Apparently, there is a long way to go before a comprehensive settlement of the crisis in Ukraine could be reached. However not only lives and prosperity of people but also the future of the whole system of European security are at stake.

In that context, we call upon all stakeholders, international community, and the OSCE participating States to consolidate their efforts in support of the Minsk peace process and implementation of the agreements reached.

A notable role in this process belongs to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which has already contributed significantly to promoting negotiations within the TCG and monitoring implementation of the Minsk Agreements, first of all, through activities of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.

The Republic of Belarus, on its part, is willing to continue to do everything possible to restore peace and tranquillity in fraternal Ukraine, and strengthen stability and security in the whole OSCE region.