OSCE secretary general thanks Belarus for contribution to settlement of Ukrainian conflict

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier says the OSCE values the efforts made by Belarus to settle the conflict in southeastern Ukraine.

During a meeting with Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei in Minsk on Monday, Zannier recalled that Belarus is known as a venue of meetings between groups on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. He expressed hopes that the Minsk agreements will promote the peace process in the country.

Makei, for his part, said the timing of the OSCE officials are visiting Minsk at a good time. "We are not using your visit to get political dividends," he said.

The minister said the meeting will address the Ukrainian crisis and a broad range of issues that are on the agenda.

Makei also said OSCE officials will be able to personally see the situation in Belarus from inside.