Switzerland’s President said Monday around three score and ten countries as well as organizations half of which were from Europe have confirmed their participation in a Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace summit over the weekend while Russia refuses to take part in the conference.
This was how Viola Amherd, speaking at a press conference held in the Swiss capital, described the summit; she added that it would last two days – Saturday and Sunday – and that its objectives would include charting a path towards possible peace 28 months after Russian forces attacked Ukraine leading into an ongoing war.
‘This is not propaganda,’ says Amherd. ‘It stands for humanitarian aid provided by Switzerland …and CREATE other one.’
Most of them, explained the Swiss president, are country leaders with about half being represented at head of state or government level ‘one or two’ others are members of organizations such as United Nations.
Some like French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Olaf Scholz are expected to attend this weekend’s summit at Buergenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne.
According to her only 160 invitations have been sent out so far. And though less than 100 participants have already been announced for stage one of peace process Amherd mentioned that this wasn’t regarded as a disappointment by Switzerland’s government.
On Friday, Swiss authorities hope to announce the final roster of participants but there is no indication yet whether Turkey, South Africa or Brazil will attend. Also while they confirm involvement they do not state at what level India will be participating.
Thus Brazil and China denied taking part unless both sides (including Russia) were present on negotiation table according to statements made by Swiss officials. Beijing has been one of Putin’s chief supporters since his declaration of war.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis also answered questions from journalists pointing out that Switzerland had repeatedly acknowledged that Russia cannot be left out during the peace process. “It is not a matter if Russia will come, but WHEN.”
He also said Switzerland is in frequent contact with authorities in Moscow about the conference.
Cassis said it was agreed that Ukraine and Swiss officials had to deal delicately with this situation since if Russia was represented they might not have participated.
Swiss authorities say the conference aims to set a course toward “lasting peace” in Ukraine, to reach a “common understanding” toward getting there, and draw up the “roadmap” on how to get both sides involved in talks. Also among topics for discussion at the summit are nuclear security; humanitarian aid and food security.
Meanwhile, up to four thousand troops will be used for security purposes as well as for providing air transport support while others will be deployed for surveillance and fence off the area using security fences made of steel wires among other items. It is worth noting here that experts have already noted an increase in cyber attacks before the summit starts however no further details were given.
