Direct dialogue between Kyiv, Moscow important in resolving conflict in east Ukraine - Uzbek president
DUSHANBE. Sept 12 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan considers direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv to be important in resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine, taking into account Russia's interests in the region.
"We support the agreements reached in Minsk [on September 5] on the peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian issue," Uzbek President Islom Karimov said at a meeting of SCO leaders' council in Dushanbe on Friday.
"I am convinced that the proposal of Uzbekistan, made on March 4, that the most optimal and effective resolution of the problem emerged remains having a direct negotiation process to end resistance in Ukraine and to achieving peace in this country between Ukraine and Russia," Karimov said.
"If Ukraine behaved objectively, then first of all it was necessary to seek such negotiating processes as these specifically. I do not see another solution," he said.
"The original interests of Russia, which formed historically over many, many centuries, should be taken into account in any negotiating processes on the Ukrainian issue. These are brotherly nations, which have lived and will live for many centuries to come. And they will live in peace, I am convinced of this," Karimov said.
"I want to say firmly that it would be a serious mistake not to take into account Russia's interest in the region and the relations between Ukraine and Russia," he said.
