Federal Chancellor Stocker at EU Summit for Vienna as Negotiation Venue with Iran
"We have a great tradition for such negotiations and meetings. It would be nice for Vienna if we could act as hosts," said Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) on Thursday before the start of the EU summit in Brussels. "I believe that the ceasefire offers the possibility for negotiations, and ultimately a negotiated solution is needed."
Stocker at EU Summit: Migration Debate "Going in the Right Direction"
Stocker began the day in Brussels with a meeting with heads of state and government who have a similar approach to the migration issue. "It has become apparent that the group of states wanting to address this problem is growing. We are now 21 out of 27 and have exchanged ideas intensively on how to deal with the European Commission's initiatives. We are on a good path here." Stocker specifically mentioned the issue of third countries, the protection of the EU's external borders, and the interpretation of the Human Rights Convention in the repatriation of convicted criminals as topics where things have started to move. "I claim for Austria that we have also set many initiatives in this regard. Not all were undisputed. But it is going in the right direction, and we are also making progress."
At the EU summit, the possible suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement is also being discussed, after an EU report critically assessed the human rights situation in the Gaza Strip. "I spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about this yesterday. It is such that we do not expect an improvement in the situation in Gaza through a suspension of the agreement. I believe that the communication channels must be kept open," said Stocker. "Of course, it is about ensuring that the civilian population does not pay the price for Hamas's terror. Netanyahu also assured me to intensify and strengthen all efforts in this direction so that this humanitarian aid can be provided."
Austria Supports 18th Sanctions Package Against Russia at EU Summit
Austria supports the 18th sanctions package against Russia, where the proposed oil price cap faces resistance from some states. "I believe that the signal to Russia must be that Austria is in solidarity and that we, as the European Union, will not be divided. I therefore support this package as it stands." Austria stands "clearly on the side of Ukraine," and it is "long overdue" for peace negotiations. "However, I believe that the willingness for this will only be there when Putin realizes that he can achieve more at the negotiating table than on the battlefield. I hope that time comes soon. What we can do is ensure that we are not divided, that we remain united and cohesive, and support Ukraine on this path."
Austria will not support any initiative to postpone the announcement of the EU's 2040 climate targets expected next week: "We have committed to climate targets for 2040 in Austria (climate neutrality, ed.). This is in the government agreement. At the European level, we have very, very important topics on the agenda: security, the Middle East issue, energy supply, and also our competitiveness. Europe's economic strength is the foundation for us. Without this strength, which we must significantly increase in my view, it will neither be possible to achieve climate targets nor to be a strong Europe," said the Chancellor.
(APA/red)
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