2023-04-27 22:45:24
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The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, gave a press conference at the association of foreign journalists (Stampa Estera) in Rome, this Thursday (27). The premier questioned whether the peace plan proposed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is realistic. “We have a well-marked path towards peace as we understand it,” said the head of the Ukrainian government.
Gina Marquescorrespondent of RFI In Rome
When questioned by RFI about the possibility of Brazil being a mediator in the peace process, the prime minister compared the Russians to bandits: “I will cite a simple example. If your apartment [brasileiros] was invaded by a band of bandits who want to kill you and your children, rape your women and take over your house, would you sign an agreement with those bandits? Do you think this is realistic? I’m honestly not waiting for your response.” Denys Shmyhal.
The Ukrainian premier added that Brazil would not make a deal with the invaders either. “You would not accept living with these bandits and bowing to the conditions imposed by them, fulfilling their wishes and not yours,” he said.
Still using the example of the invaded residence, Shmyhal reiterated that Russians have to leave Ukraine. “First of all, these bandits have to get out of your house. Then, perhaps, the principles of peaceful coexistence could be discussed with them, but not in my territory”.
However, the prime minister welcomed Lula’s commitment, who insists on a peaceful solution to the conflict and has already proposed alternative mediation several times in search of peace. “We appreciate the efforts of the Brazilian people and the President of Brazil in their desire to help the Ukrainian people in their struggle,” he said, before thanking those who welcomed the war refugees. “Many countries have welcomed Ukrainians with an open heart and kindness. We hope that all our citizens can return to a peaceful Ukraine”.
Ukraine and China
Shmyhal, declined to assess possible Chinese mediation in the war against Russia. However, he said that the first conversation that took place the day before between the presidents of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and China, Xi Jinping, since the beginning of the Russian invasion of the neighbor “opens a new stage in relations” between the two countries.
“Yesterday there was a phone call, a very productive conversation between the two presidents. This conversation opens a new stage in relations between Ukraine and China and I am convinced that it is a good start for the positive development of our relations in the future”, he evaluated.
Asked whether Ukraine would accept China as a mediator, the prime minister reiterated: “We have our own path to peace, the Zelensky formula. We know very well what the liberation of Ukraine is. All territories within the 1991 borders must be free. Security must be guaranteed by international structures. Only in this way will we be sure of a stable, just and lasting peace.”
Meeting with the Pope
Shmyhal was also received in Rome by Pope Francis, between the series of audiences this Thursday morning and the eve of his apostolic journey to Hungary. The meeting at the Apostolic Palace lasted half an hour and the prime minister invited the pontiff to Kiev and asked for help for Ukrainian children deported to Russia.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister had an audience with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Paul Richard Gallagher.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, “during the cordial conversations held at the Secretariat of State, the various issues related to the war in Ukraine were highlighted, reserving particular attention to the humanitarian aspect and efforts to restore peace. In the same context, various topics related to the life and activity of the Churches in the country were also discussed”.
Ukraine’s reconstruction
Denys Shmyhal was in Rome to participate in the bilateral conference between Italy and Ukraine on the reconstruction of his country. Several Italian and Ukrainian companies participated in the event.
The prime minister asked Italian companies to invest in the reconstruction of Ukraine. According to the World Bank, the total costs to rebuild the country exceed US$ 400 billion.
This is not the first conference where Ukrainian reconstruction has been discussed, at least in Europe. But the meeting served to reinforce Italy’s role, especially at European level.
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