MFA Press Secretary Andrei Savinykh replies to the reporters' questions during the press briefing by the held on October 4, 2012

04 October 2012

04/10/2012

Question: What is the position of Belarus on the conflict between Syria and Turkey?

Answer: We are concerned about the border conflict between Syria and Turkey and urge the both sides to show moderation and restraint. It is important to prevent the escalation of tensions and refrain from the use of force.

The border conflict between Syria and Turkey can be settled only by peaceful means in accordance with the international law.

Question: What issues were discussed during the meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Makei with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland within the framework of the UN General Assembly session in New York?

Answer: Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland touched upon the current cooperation between Belarus and the Council of Europe. Apart from that, prospects of expanding cooperation and joint work of Belarus and the Council of Europe were discussed, including interaction within the framework of various thematic conventions.

Question: Based on information from the OSCE mission representatives, who monitored the Belarus parliament elections, they have met with representatives of the Belarusian government and have discussed the possibility of resuming the work of the OSCE mission in Minsk. What is the position of Belarus on this issue?

Answer: Let me remind you that the OSCE office in Minsk was closed 1.5 years ago after its mandate expired. From the practical point of view we considered the decision as a way to optimize expenses of the regular budget of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. More money was appropriated for program activities with of the OSCE. 1.5 years ago the Belarusian side expressed confidence that the office shutdown will not reduce our contacts with the OSCE while we will be able to easily coordinate current projects through contacts with the OSCE headquarters in Vienna using existing diplomatic channels. The time that has passed since then has convincingly proved this view.

We should mention that the OSCE’s institutional development was outside of the sphere of competence of election observers. Therefore the official negotiations to discuss the possibility of resuming the work of the OSCE mission in Belarus have not been held.

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