The Polish Foreign Minister, Radosław Sikorski, has responded on social media to Pope Francis’ comments suggesting that Ukraine should “raise the white flag” and end the war with Russia.
“How about, for balance, encouraging [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to have the courage to withdraw his army from Ukraine? Peace would immediately ensue without the need for negotiations,” Sikorski wrote on social media platform X on Sunday.
The Pope made his appeal during an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, excerpts of which were published on Saturday.
“I think that the strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people, and has the courage to raise the white flag, and to negotiate,” Francis told RSI.
“When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate,” he continued.
“Turkey has offered [mediation] and so have others,” he added.
“Don’t be ashamed of negotiating before things get worse,” Francis appealed.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said on Saturday that the Pope used the phrase “white flag” suggested by the interviewer to “indicate a cessation of hostilities, a truce reached with the courage of negotiation.”
He added that the Pope has been and will be calling for “conditions for a diplomatic solution in search of a just and lasting peace.”
The Pope made his appeal during an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, excerpts of which were published on Saturday.
“I think that the strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people, and has the courage to raise the white flag, and to negotiate,” Francis told RSI.
“When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate,” he continued.
He added that talks could be held with the help of international powers and that the two sides should “look for a country that will be a mediator,” of which, according to him, “there are many.”How about, for balance, encouraging Putin to have the courage to withdraw his army from Ukraine?
— Radosław Sikorski 🇵🇱🇪🇺 (@sikorskiradek) March 10, 2024
Peace would immediately ensue without the need for negotiations. https://t.co/gWNYSUt79u
“Turkey has offered [mediation] and so have others,” he added.
“Don’t be ashamed of negotiating before things get worse,” Francis appealed.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said on Saturday that the Pope used the phrase “white flag” suggested by the interviewer to “indicate a cessation of hostilities, a truce reached with the courage of negotiation.”
He added that the Pope has been and will be calling for “conditions for a diplomatic solution in search of a just and lasting peace.”
Source:
More In Politics MORE...
