Switzerland ready to organize a peace conference on Ukraine
Published: Monday, Jan 15th 2024, 20:30
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Switzerland is prepared to organize a peace conference in Ukraine and to support reconstruction in the country. She assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of this, announced President Viola Amherd after Zelensky's official visit to Bern.
Preparations would begin immediately under the leadership of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Amherd told the media after the meeting with Selenskyj at the Lohn country residence near Bern. "The work will begin tomorrow", said Amherd. She did not give a possible date for the conference at the highest level.
Open group of participants
The group of participants is also open. Amherd would like the conference to be as broad-based as possible with as many participating countries as possible. In response to a question from journalists, Selensky expressed his openness to all those countries that respected the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine.
In Selensky's opinion, the leadership of the 83 states that took part in the peace formula conference on Sunday should also have a say at the peace conference. Russia, the aggressor, was not present at Sunday's meeting. In response to a corresponding question, Zelensky said that he would like China to join the peace formula.
The details for a possible peace conference still need to be examined in depth, said Amherd. Switzerland wants to continue to work for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and wants to focus on the reconstruction of Ukraine.
This is of strategic importance for the stability of the continent. The Lugano Principles of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) of July 2022 serve as a political compass for reconstruction. Switzerland has earmarked 1.5 billion as part of its international cooperation until 2028.
Thanks to Selenskyj
Another priority is the humanitarian clearance of mines, which Switzerland is committed to, said Amherd. Land without mines is a prerequisite for people to return and for agriculture to be possible again. According to Amherd, a conference on mine clearance is planned for October in Geneva.
Selensky expressed his thanks for this Swiss commitment. Thanks to good friends, work could begin next spring, he said. Thousands of square kilometers of his country are mined.
Zelensky also expressed his gratitude for Switzerland's support for the EU's sanctions packages. With regard to Russian assets frozen in Switzerland, the Ukrainian president called for "just punishment" for those who attacked his country without being provoked by Ukraine.
Selenskyjs spoke on Monday not only with Amherd, but also with Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and Justice Minister Beat Jans. He also held talks with National Council President Eric Nussbaumer (SP/BL) and Council of States President Eva Herzog (SP/BS) as well as the leaders of the parliamentary groups and parties.
Nussbaumer and Herzog informed the guest about ongoing work in parliament, the parliamentary services announced after the visit. They explained the importance of long-term support for Ukraine and its reconstruction and emphasized Switzerland's continued support and great solidarity with the Ukrainians.
Onward journey to Davos
The SVP was not represented in the talks with party delegations, as a reporter from the Keystone-SDA news agency noted. The People's Party, which insists on Swiss neutrality, had already voiced criticism in June when Selensky gave a speech - via video link - in the Swiss parliament. Most members of the parliamentary group had left the chamber at the time.
Switzerland received two high-ranking state guests on Monday - in addition to Selensky, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang arrived for an official visit. Restrictions and security barriers were the result.
Li Qiang and the Ukrainian President are expected to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos GR on Tuesday (tomorrow). Selensky intends to hold bilateral meetings there with representatives of the EU and NATO. The aim is to advance Ukraine's integration into the Euro-Atlantic area, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He also wants to meet leaders and business leaders in Davos with the aim of strengthening his country's defense capabilities and resilience.
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