Iran-Israel: This is what Stocker and Meinl-Reisinger say

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) has called on Israel and Iran to exercise utmost restraint. "The reports reaching us from the Middle East since last night are extremely concerning," said Stocker on Friday at the Europa Forum Wachau. "The situation is highly volatile and has great potential for escalation - we call on all sides to exercise utmost restraint and prudence." Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) also expressed great concern.

"We appeal to all sides for utmost restraint and de-escalation, as well as a return to diplomacy. A further escalation of the situation would be extremely dangerous for the region and must be avoided at all costs," said Meinl-Reisinger according to a statement on Friday.

Stocker: "Call for Return to Diplomacy"

A further escalation of the conflict is "the last thing this region needs right now," said Chancellor Stocker. The Iranian nuclear program is a cause for enormous concern, "we call for a return to diplomacy. A nuclear arms race in the region must be prevented at all costs."

The crisis team in the Austrian Foreign Ministry is continuously evaluating the situation and is in close contact with the embassies in the region. The situation center of the Ministry of Defense is also monitoring the situation around the clock.

Numerous Austrians in Israel

"The safety of our citizens is our top priority," said Meinl-Reisinger. This was also the focus of the crisis team's meeting. She requested to contact partner countries to prepare for all scenarios. "All embassies have appropriate crisis plans that are tailored to local conditions."

Currently, around 10,000 Austrians in Israel and about 200 in Iran are registered in the Foreign Service app. "We strongly recommend all Austrians to register there if they have not already done so," said Meinl-Reisinger. The Austrian embassies in Israel and Iran have already actively contacted Austrians abroad and travelers from Austria, as well as local authorities. "We strongly advise against traveling to the region at this time."

The State Secretary in the Federal Chancellery, Alexander Pröll (ÖVP), who is also responsible for combating anti-Semitism, announced via a press release that he is in close contact with the Jewish community and the Minister of the Interior to protect Jewish life in Austria. "We have strengthened measures to protect Jewish life and institutions in Austria. The situation is continuously analyzed by the security authorities, and the measures are adapted."

SPÖ and Schönborn also commented

The foreign policy spokesperson of the SPÖ, Petra Bayr, also expressed deep concern about the further escalation of violence in the Middle East. "Respect for human life and international law by all parties must be the guiding principle for all decisions and actions in this critical time. A conflagration in the region and a nuclear arms race must be prevented," said Bayr according to a press release. Mediation efforts and international cooperation are now needed to contain the conflict. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) should also take initiatives, she demanded.

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn expressed shock over the current escalation of violence. The news deeply shocked him, Schönborn wrote on social media platforms according to Kathpress. A new war with unpredictable consequences is the last thing people there need.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.