MP: Belarus always ready to become platform for peace talks on Ukraine

Belarus is always ready to become a platform for peace talks on Ukraine – as stated by the Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on National Security, Aleksandr Markevich, before a meeting of the tenth session of the House of Representatives of the seventh convocation of the National Assembly of Belarus

During the meeting, the MPs adopted the bill On Termination of Agreement between Belarusian and Ukrainian Governments on Organisation of Joint Control at Checkpoints on Belarusian-Ukrainian State Border, which was prepared in connection with a significant violation by the Ukrainian side of the terms of the agreement between the governments of the two countries on the organisation of joint control at checkpoints on the Belarusian-Ukrainian state border, signed in Kiev on December 14th, 1995.

Mr. Markevich stressed that, according to Article 60 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties as of May 23rd, 1969, a significant violation of the international treaty by one of its parties entitles the other party to invoke this violation as a basis for termination of the treaty or suspension of its operation. The decision to terminate the agreement in accordance with Paragraph 8 of the first part of Article 19 and Paragraph 2 of the fifth part of Article 44 of the law On International Treaties of the Republic of Belarus is adopted by the National Assembly in the form of a law and is subject to ratification.

“We know that our border with Ukraine has always been the border of peace and friendship. We took unprecedented steps in the past – allowing Ukrainian citizens to enter the Merlin training ground so that they could pick mushrooms and berries on our territory. That provided significant assistance to improve the economic situation and strengthen bilateral ties. We are also well aware of the trade contacts we had with Ukraine. We enjoyed stable ties and relations with the Ukrainian side in all areas. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Taking into account the challenges, threats and risks that we see on the Ukrainian border, significant measures are being taken to strengthen our defence capability and our border. They are clearly implemented with the involvement of special operations forces, special forces, and internal troops," the MP added.

Mr. Markevich stressed that Belarus is always open, and it is ready to provide a platform for peace talks on Ukraine in order to stop the hostilities.