With the global South at the table: the peace summit in Ukraine is scheduled for 2024

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It was one of the biggest news stories from this year’s World Economic Forum: Switzerland wants to organize a peace summit in Ukraine. Federal councilors Viola Amherd (61) and Ignazio Cassis (62) did not even find the time to ask the entire Federal Council about the idea in advance. The Federal President is now stepping on the gas. According to Viola Amherd, the planned peace summit in Switzerland will take place in 2024. “The goal is that we can hold this summit as soon as possible. It should definitely take place this year,” she said in an interview.

It is unlikely that the planned summit will be an actual peace talk without the aggressor Russia. “It is unlikely that Russia will be present, but we want to talk to everyone else now,” Amherd told “Switzerland at the Weekend”.

Switzerland remains in contact with Russia

At the same time, the Federal Councilor indicated that Switzerland was also in contact with Russia. «Switzerland appeals to everyone. And today I am repeatedly told how important this is and how happy everyone is that someone can talk to everyone. The channels of communication exist and are open.”

It was initially unclear whether the summit would actually take place at the level of ministers or heads of state. “Of course there is a small risk that we will not be able to organize the summit,” said Amherd. But if Switzerland doesn’t try, it certainly won’t succeed. “You also have to have the courage to say: we are going to try and do our best.”

No completed peace plan

Amherd tempered expectations for the summit. “We cannot expect that there will be a ready-made peace plan after our summit,” said the Minister of Defense. “But if we can start a peace process with this, then we have already achieved a lot.”

According to Amherd, it would be a success if a wide range of countries participated, including countries from the Global South. In particular, South Africa, India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia should come, and if possible also China. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will travel to China in early February, as planned for some time.

Nearly two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine’s future took center stage on Sunday during a meeting between the Kiev government and representatives of more than 80 countries and organizations in Davos GR. The countries’ security advisers discussed a ten-point peace plan proposed by Ukraine. (SDA/lazy)

Source:Blick