Pope Francis is not asking Ukraine to
surrender in an interview to a Swiss TV station that is to be
broadcast later this month but a portion of which was released
on Saturday, but rather calling for a ceasefire and the courage
of negotiation, the director of the Vatican press office Matteo
Bruni has said.
"The Pope uses the term white flag, and responds by picking up
the image proposed by the interviewer, to indicate a cessation
of hostilities, a truce reached with the courage of
negotiation," said Bruni of the interview to Lorenzo Buccella of
Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS).
"Elsewhere in the interview, speaking of another situation of
conflict, but referring to every situation of war, the Pope
clearly stated: 'Negotiations are never a surrender'," he added.
In the interview, the full version of which was subsequently
published on the Vatican News website, Buccella asks the Pope:
"In Ukraine, some call for the courage of surrender, of the
white flag. But others say that this would legitimize the
stronger party. What do you think?"
"That is one interpretation. But I believe that the stronger one
is the one who sees the situation, who thinks of the people, who
has the courage of the white flag, to negotiate," replies
Francis.
"And today, negotiations are possible with the help of
international powers. The word 'negotiate' is a couragous word.
When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going
well, it is necessary to have the courage to negotiate. You may
feel ashamed, but with how many deaths will it end? Negotiate in
time; look for some country that can mediate," he continues.
"Today, for example in the war in Ukraine, there are many who
want to mediate. Turkey has offered itself for this. And others.
Do not be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse,"
concludes the pope.
"The Pope's hope is and remains that which he has always
repeated in these years, and reiterated recently on the occasion
of the second anniversary of the conflict: 'As I renew my very
deep affection for the martyred Ukrainian people and pray for
all, especially for the many innocent victims, I implore that a
little bit of humanity can be found that allows the creation of
the conditions for a diplomatic solution in search of a just and
lasting peace'," concluded Bruni.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
