Ukraine peace summit ends with final declaration

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

BURGENSTOCK, Switzerland (AA) - The two-day Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland's Burgenstock ended on Sunday with an endorsement of a final declaration.

More than 90 countries attended the talks, but the joint communique was supported by 80 countries and four organizations.

As many as 16 states and organizations, including Indonesia, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, India, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates, abstained.

In her closing remarks to the plenary session, Swiss President Viola Amherd said despite different views, "we have managed to agree on a common vision."

"We have set out that vision in the Burgenstock Communique," Amherd said. "Herewith we are sending a clear signal to the people of Ukraine and to all those directly affected by the consequences of the war: A large part of the international community has the desire to bring about change."

She said with the final declaration, states have established a framework around which further discussions should take place.

Amherd mentioned three topics that states will work towards: "Firstly, any use of nuclear energy and nuclear installations must be safe, secured, safeguarded and environmentally sound."

"Secondly, food security must not be weaponized in any way. Attacks on merchant ships in ports and along the entire route, as well as against civilian ports and civilian port infrastructure, are unacceptable," she said.

"Thirdly, all prisoners of war must be released by complete exchange. All deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children, and all other Ukrainian civilians who were unlawfully detained, must be returned to Ukraine."

The gathering aimed at finding a "common understanding" on a path toward peace, but was not attended by Russia and China.