MPs have given the Dutch cabinet their broad backing to try to ensure Europe and Ukraine are part of the US-led peace talks to end the war in Ukraine and to take a “constructive” approach to the negotiation process.
The involvement of both Europe and Ukraine in the negotiations is crucial, and they must have the deciding role, MPs agreed during a long debate on the conflict on Tuesday.
Although many party leaders said it is still too early to decide if Dutch troops should be sent to join any eventual peacekeeping force, the cabinet can expect majority support if it becomes necessary, commentators said.
Even far-right leader Geert Wilders, who opposes contributing soldiers, said he is prepared to accept sending money and equipment.
Unanimous
This, he said, is important to win other countries’ trust and understanding of the Dutch position.
Meanwhile, more details have emerged about the talks between Russia and the US in Saudi Arabia earlier in the day.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said after the meeting that his country will not accept peacekeeping forces from NATO countries in Ukraine under any peace deal. “Any appearance by armed forces under some other flag does not change anything. It is, of course, completely unacceptable,” he said.
Ukraine was not invited to the meeting.
US Secretary of State Marc Rubio said the meeting was the first step in a “long and difficult journey,” adding that Ukraine and the European Union would be involved at some point.
According to news agency Reuters, France is planning to organise a second meeting of EU countries to discuss the crisis, this time with leaders who were not invited to Monday’s session in Paris.
