Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer provided insights into the dynamics of the Ukraine Peace Summit held in Switzerland, indicating that not all participants may sign the final declaration.
However, he clarified that this reluctance is more attributable to nuances in the wording rather than a lack of support for the common position. Nehammer emphasised that despite potential variations in signatures, the fundamental unity among the participants remains intact, underscoring the shared commitment to the peace process.
Regarding the scope of a potential follow-up conference, Nehammer noted that defining its parameters posed a challenge. He suggested that before Russia's inclusion in negotiations, an interim conference in a different format might be considered, illustrating the evolving nature of the peace process as a gradual, iterative endeavour.
The two-day summit, attended by representatives from 92 states and eight international organisations, aimed to conclude with the publication of a final declaration. However, Nehammer's remarks hinted at the complexity of reaching a unanimous consensus, which could impact the signing process.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba offered an optimistic perspective on the summit's outcomes, highlighting the substantial progress made during the discussions.
He emphasised that even nations not physically present at the conference were cognizant of the momentum generated by the gathering. Kuleba expressed satisfaction with the ongoing peace process, affirming that the initiative was on the right track.
Furthermore, Kuleba reiterated Ukraine's appeal for robust military support, stressing the importance of providing the country with high-quality weapons. He argued that a fortified Ukraine would bolster its negotiating position vis-à-vis Moscow, potentially facilitating more productive peace talks.
As the summit concluded, press conferences featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were scheduled, offering an opportunity to disseminate key insights and outcomes to a broader audience.
Despite Russia's absence and lack of expressed interest in attending, the summit underscored the international community's commitment to engaging in a long-term peace process involving all stakeholders.
While the signing of the final declaration may not involve all participants, the Ukraine Peace Summit marked a significant step forward in fostering dialogue and cooperation toward achieving lasting peace in the region.
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