2023-12-15 18:05:20
Exchange on close bilateral relations, the situation in the Middle East and Russia’s war against Ukraine
Vienna (PK) – National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka received the Liechtenstein State Parliament President Albert Frick in Parliament today. Sobotka expressed his thanks to Frick for the trust and close cooperation, whether in dealing with the Corona crisis, on questions of working across the border or in the joint commitment to democratic values.
In connection with the situation in the Middle East, the President of the National Council emphasized to his guest that the shameful incident at a pro-Palestinian rally in the foyer of the University of Applied Arts Vienna, at which a speaker called out the attack by the terrorist organization Hamas on Israel on October 7th was denied, was completely unacceptable and Austria was on Israel’s side. Sobotka was once again concerned about the increase in anti-Semitic incidents. Austria is in favor of humanitarian breaks under martial law, but a ceasefire is currently unthinkable for him.
State Parliament President Frick said that Liechtenstein condemns the terror of Hamas and the targeted killing and use of civilians as human shields. Israel’s right to self-defense is also affirmed. Hamas’ actions are not in the interests of all Palestinians, said Frick. International humanitarian law must be observed on all sides and humanitarian aid must be granted access. Like Sobotka, he also supports a two-state solution.
Regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, Sobotka stated that Austria would continue to support the country with bilateral financial and humanitarian assistance. This is all the more true since the terrible attack by Hamas on Israel has opened up another front against the democratic community of states, said the National Council President. Frick saw it as essential that European states continue to stand behind Ukraine. In his view, a defeat by Ukraine would have unimaginable consequences for democracies in the free Western world.
Liechtenstein strongly condemned Russian aggression from the outset and implemented the EU sanctions autonomously even as a non-member, said Frick. In addition, Liechtenstein has so far taken in over 500 Ukrainian displaced people, which corresponds to more than one percent of the population. There will also be discussions about how Liechtenstein can participate in the reconstruction in Ukraine, Frick expressed his hope that the war will end soon. (final) keg
A NOTICE: Photos about the visit of Liechtenstein’s state parliament president Frick can be found in Parliament web portal.
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