Belarusian Foreign Ministry calls Ukrainian ambassador over statements regarding 'Slavic Brotherhood' exercises
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus summoned the Ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus, Igor Kizim, in connection with his statements regarding the "Slavic brotherhood-2017" exercises.
This was reported on the website of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.
"The Ambassador of Ukraine was told that his statements do not meet the high level of friendly relations between the Republic of Belarus and Ukraine; they are incorrect, and contain unreasonable accusations toward the Republic of Belarus in noncompliance with confidence and security measures in the OSCE region," the message says.
It is noted that the exercises were conducted "in full compliance with the norms of international law and Belarus' obligations within the OSCE" with the participation of military attachés, including from Ukraine.
"At our invitation, military observers from Ukraine, as well as other neighboring states, watched active phases of all the main military exercises – from 'Neman 2001' to 'West-2013'. It is important to take into account that in full compliance with our international obligations, we could not invite foreign representatives to them, "the statement said.
At the same time, it is noted that Ukraine has never invited military observers from Belarus.
"Representatives of the Office of the Military Attaché of the Republic of Belarus in Ukraine since 2013 have not been invited to any military multinational or national exercise held on Ukrainian territory ... The Belarusian side expects to continue constructive dialogue in the field of defense and security in the region," the message says. .
Recall that the "Slavic brotherhood-2017" exercises were held at the Belarusian training ground "Brest" from June 6 to 14. More than 1,000 servicemen from Russia, Belarus and Serbia took part in the exercises; 150 units of Russian and Belarusian equipment were involved.
Ukrainian Ambassador Kizim called them "an exponential farce," noting that they occurred without international supervision.