Lukashenko believes the world to be on the brink of war

The current international relations resemble the situation before the World War I, and the European security architecture is experiencing a deep systemic crisis, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has stated on May 24 at the "Eastern Europe: In Search of Security for All" international forum, being held in Minsk, BelTA informs.

"It's time for major geopolitical players to think about the state of current international relations, which really reminds the situation before the World War One. Among its reasons, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier mentioned the "unsteadiness of the foundation" of relations between the great powers, as well as the "lack of will and tools for building trust and a peaceful balance of interests". That period he described as "a terrible history of the elites bankruptcy, including military and diplomatic ones," Lukashenko recalled. At the same time, the Belarusian leader noted that "since the end of the Cold War, the European security architecture has not yet experienced such a deep systemic crisis." "Many independent and authoritative sources are warning that the planet has come close to the abyss of a serious conflict," the president of Belarus said.

According to Lukashenko, Europe can and should set an example in resolving issues between East and West. "If great powers cannot agree among themselves today, this does not mean that all other countries should sit silently and wait for their instructions. I am convinced that Europe can and should set an example in resolving the issues that are between East and West, become a place for resolving burning issues. First of all, such as the Ukrainian crisis," he said.

According to the president of Belarus, the issues to be the considered at the forum in Minsk are relevant for many countries of the world. "It's no coincidence that this event is taking place in Minsk. Traditionally representatives of various countries and regions of the world can discuss absolutely any, even the most acute issues in a calm atmosphere of complete security," Lukashenka said. He also noted that the importance of the Belarusian capital as a convenient platform for negotiations is growing due to the multi-vector foreign policy of Belarus, respect for foreign partners and sustainable social and economic development of the state.

"The Minsk expert platform is designed to facilitate the views exchanging, rational discussion and the launch of a dialogue, the lack of which is clearly felt in current international relations. Any sane person will confirm that today there is no more important issue than preserving peace and ensuring its sustainable development. Therefore, it is important to work out and present to the politicians clear proposals on how to do this with respect for the all parties interests. It's even better if your ideas influence the broad public consciousness," the leader of Belarus said.

As EADaily reported earlier, during his meeting with the CIS Foreign Ministers Council participants in April 2018, Alexander Lukashenko proposed drafting a global strategy under the auspices of the UN to confront new challenges and threats. According to the president of Belarus, attempts to develop a new paradigm of the world order are not being made at the negotiating table, but in hotspots, and the nearest one is the Donbas. He also recalled that during the 26th session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Belarusian side offered to start a discussion on launching a negotiation process aimed at overcoming existing contradictions and forming new constructive relations in the OSCE region.

To recall, from May 23 to 25 Minsk is hosting "Eastern Europe: in search of security for all" international conference is being held, organized by the Minsk Dialogue expert initiative. About 500 people are taking part in it, including about 200 foreign guests from more than 50 countries.