Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen sees that the ‘serious danger’ of the conflict in the Middle East is spreading to other countries in the region. Overall, the year 2024 will bring further challenges that “could increase in number and complexity,” he said on Tuesday at the New Year’s reception for the Diplomatic Corps at the Presidential Chancellery.
He therefore appealed to the ambassadors to continue the dialogue and the “path of togetherness”. The events of October 7, when the terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than a thousand people and taking hundreds hostage, “rocked the world to its foundations.” “Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas should not be questioned,” the Federal President emphasized.
“Solidarity on the side of Israel”
Austria stands in “unwavering solidarity with Israel” when its survival is threatened. But the war also brought “tremendous suffering” to the civilian population in Gaza. The answer to this must lie in “full respect for international humanitarian law, comprehensive protection of the civilian population and rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to the population,” Van der Bellen said.
Austria is also “staunchly” on the side of Ukraine, for which the Federal President predicted a “decisive year”. Ukraine needs “our full support, our Ukrainian friends are defending not only their country, but ultimately our freedom, our way of life and our values.” Just like last year, the Russian ambassador was not invited to the New Year’s reception.
Call for respect and dialogue
With numerous upcoming elections and growing challenges such as climate change, both Van der Bellen and the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, Archbishop Pedro López Quintana, called for cooperation, respect and dialogue. One should also think of the day after the elections, “when we must work together and join hands and work together in our daily efforts to tackle the problems of our country and the world,” the Federal President reminded.
When it comes to climate change, he also called on ambassadors to continue dialogue and reach out to each other in the “interest of mutual understanding.” “And never lose sight of the vision of creating a more peaceful and just world and a healthy planet for future generations,” the head of state concluded.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
