- Pope invited to peace talks about war in Ukraine
- Switzerland wants to contribute to peace-building
Pope invited to peace talks about war in Ukraine
Switzerland has invited Pope Francis to attend a conference on peace in Ukraine, to be held in mid-June in the resort of Burgenstock, near Lucerne. "According to Ukrinform, this was announced by Swiss President Viola Amherd in an interview with Blick.
"We have invited the Holy See. The Vatican is very positive about the peace conference", she said.
Asked whether Switzerland had received any official replies from foreign countries about their participation in the conference, in particular from Brazil, India, China and South Africa, which had all expressed a positive view of the event, the President said:
"We have just sent out invitations. I am confident that we will have a good turnout".
Switzerland wants to contribute to peace-building
Swiss President Amherd explained how the decision to hold the conference was taken:
"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised this issue during our meeting in Bern and I think Switzerland should do everything possible to support Ukraine. As a neutral country, Switzerland has a lot of experience in peace-building".
According to the President, the conference will focus on four themes: humanitarian problems, nuclear safety, freedom of navigation, and food security.
"If we can find a common denominator, that will be it," the President said. In her view, the conference will be considered a success if there is adequate participation and a "concrete approach to the peace process".
V. Amherd stressed that she would attend the event. The International Conference on Achieving Peace in Ukraine will take place on 15-16 June.
Based on ELTA reports
