Peace conference in Switzerland stresses that Ukraine's territorial integrity

Leaders hold press conference at the end of the conference

The Guardian reported on June 16 that the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland had just issued a joint statement, signed by representatives of 80 out of 90 participating countries, emphasizing that Ukraine's territorial integrity must be respected in any agreement to end the war.

Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were among the countries that attended the conference but did not sign the joint statement, according to the Swiss government . Brazil, which was listed as an observer on the list of participants, also did not sign the joint statement.

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The joint statement said dialogue between all sides was needed to reach a lasting settlement. Most countries supported calls for a full prisoner exchange and the return of Ukrainian children.

“We believe that achieving peace requires engagement and dialogue among all parties. We reaffirm our commitment to… the principles of sovereignty , independence and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognized borders,” the statement said.

In addition, the statement called for the release of all prisoners of war in a “full exchange” and for all Ukrainian children who had been “illegally deported and displaced” to be returned to Ukraine.

Working groups at the conference also addressed global food security and nuclear safety issues, saying Ukraine had "full control" over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Closing the conference, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that the two-day conference helped bring peace closer to Ukraine, but real peace will not be achieved in just one step but requires patience and determination.

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For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the participants agreed to continue working in special groups in the future and once "action plans for peace" are ready, the way to a second conference will be open.

He hailed the conference as "the first steps towards peace" and said the joint statement remained open to "anyone who respects the United Nations Charter.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hoi-nghi-hoa-binh-o-thuy-si-nhan-manh-rang-su-toan-ven-lanh-tho-cua-ukraine-185240616201443991.htm