Poland seeks role in peace talks

WARSAW – President-elect Andrzej Duda of Poland said on August 5 that his country should participate in peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine. Mr. Duda, who was to be sworn in the next day, told the Polish Press Agency (PAP): “Talks on Ukraine should be conducted in a new formula, with the participation of Poland and other neighbors of Ukraine.” A member of the Law and Justice party, Mr. Duda had stated that he would seek a more active diplomatic role for Poland. The Minsk ceasefire was agreed on by leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France on February 12, but fighting is still taking place. “A permanent peace can be guaranteed only by a wide peace conference,” Mr. Duda said, adding that Ukraine’s former borders should be re-established. (Reuters, Polish Press Agency)