TEXT & CONTEXT: JEDDAH- HOPE FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE?
Current Affairs for 03rd August, 2023
TEXT & CONTEXT: JEDDAH- HOPE FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE?
Saudi Arabia is set to host Ukraine, US, some European countries and major developing countries including India and Brazil for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah.
While both Ukraine and Russia have signaled their openness to talk on global platforms, they squarely reject what peace would like for the other. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is seeking support for his 10-point peace plan, which involves the withdrawal of Russian troops and restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity as per its 1991 borders. While Russia has rejected the plan and we unwilling to cede any of the captured territory.
Several countries and blocs, such as China and African nations have proposed their own peace initiatives but none have been accepted by both sides so far. For instance, China came out with a 12 point plan for "political settlement of the Ukraine crisis" that reiterated China's support of territorial integrity and the UN Charter. Similarly, leaders of seven African countries led by South Africa visited Ukraine with a 10-point proposal which suggested the recognition of Russia and Ukraine's sovereignty and release of prisoners. It also called for keeping the exports of foodgrains unhindered and for de-escalation of fighting. Meanwhile, the Brazilian President suggested that he could lead a "peace club" of countries who are not involved in the war and are militarily non-aligned.
The war has meant rising inflation and a shortage of grain and fertilizers for many countries, which import these product from the two countries at war.
▪ Related information
• Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe - is the world’s largest regional security organization (with 57 states).
The OSCE works for stability, peace and democracy that include issues relating to arms control, border management, conflict prevention and resolution, counter terrorism, economic and environmental activities, human rights, media freedom and development etc.
It was founded in 1975.
It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria
• Minsk Agreement- The Minsk Agreements was a series of agreements which sought to end the war in the Donbas region of Ukraine.
The agreements, namely Minsk I and Minsk II, were written by Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE (with mediation by France and Germany in the so-called Normandy Format in 2014 in case of Minsk I). However, both the agreements could not be implemented because of violations and differences in interpretation by both sides.
• The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed in 1949.
The organization was formed as a means to ensure collective security in western Europe.
Recently, Finland became the latest country to join the grouping.