Basel, Switzerland, Dec. 4
By Elchin Huseynov - Trend:
Russia urges for a direct dialogue between the conflicting sides in Ukraine and pins its hopes on the fulfillment of Minsk agreements on a peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
He made the remarks while speaking at the 21st OSCE Ministerial Council that kicked off in Basel, Switzerland on Dec.4.
Lavrov said only such a dialogue can bring results, adding that switching of the negotiations to other formats without participation of representatives of self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics is unacceptable and it will not be productive.
The foreign minister said currently, Russian experts are rendering assistance in settling the crisis in Ukraine at the invitation of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, adding that the next steps should include the restoration of social, economic and infrastructure relations and return of the hostages.
Lavrov said Russia urges for the fair and open investigation of all crimes committed in Ukraine, in particular on the Maidan (independence square) and Odessa and attaches great importance to this.
Russian foreign minister added that the developments in Ukraine are the results of the systemic crisis in the OSCE region.
"No one should ensure its security at the expense of security of others," Lavrov said, adding that this principle still remains on paper.
He also urged to pay attention to the difficult situation in the Middle East and called for protecting the rights of Christians living in this region.
Russian minister said OSCE should be a unified response to the common challenges and a full-fledged international organization with clear rules.
"We don't think that only NATO and EU have a monopoly on the truth and that well-being and security can only be achieved within these organizations," said Sergei Lavrov.
Edited by SI