Pope not asking Ukraine to surrender - Vatican press office

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 10 - 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. (ANSA).