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Alexander Van der Bellen and Karl Nehammer have addressed the Ukrainian people with a solidarity message broadcast Wednesday morning.
“We are deeply saddened by the injustice that is being inflicted on you before the eyes of the world these days,” the Federal President let it be known. We will ensure that Russia’s violations of international law do not go unanswered,” the Chancellor promised.
In the statements, which went online at 07:00 a.m. on the homepages of the Presidential Chancellery and the Federal Chancellery and, according to Van der Bellen’s office, will also be broadcast on Ukrainian television, the Federal President and head of Government let Ukrainians know that the Austrian people “deeply sympathize with your fate.”
“You are not alone.”
“It is important to me; it is important to us that you know: you are not alone,” Van der Bellen formulated. “Our thoughts and hearts are with you. We are with you.” He added that Austria’s population is “deeply affected by the injustice that is being inflicted on you in these days before the eyes of the world.” None of this will ever be forgotten, he said. “We will not tolerate this. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the war of aggression against your country, which is contrary to international law.”
Van der Bellen announced he would “do everything in our power to restore peace.” He also promised “humanitarian aid for the people in your country and for those who have fled the war.” Van der Bellen wished the people of Ukraine “strength and confidence.” They are not alone, the head of state affirmed, concluding with a phrase in Ukrainian: “We are with you. My razom v zvamy.”
Chancellor Nehammer let it be known, “With Russia’s unprovoked invasion of peaceful Ukraine in the early hours of this morning, war has returned to Europe. The mobilization of Russian forces is an unjustified attack on a sovereign and independent nation. It is also an attack on your legitimate aspirations for freedom, democracy, and the right to determine your future.”
Numerous civilian victims
There were numerous civilian victims, including children, the Chancellor lamented. “Many, especially women and children, had to flee. They had to leave their homes behind. They lost husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers on the battlefield.”
He said the images from Kharkiv, Kyiv, and other Ukrainian cities were shocking. He said that the Russian Federation had crossed another red line by attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure. At the same time, he said, it is encouraging to see the determination and will with which the Ukrainian people, Government, and President Volodymyr Selenskyy are defending their homeland.
Together “with our European and transatlantic partners,” we will make sure that Russia’s violations of international law will not go unanswered, the ÖVP politician stressed, mentioning the sanctions against the Russian Federation adopted by the European Union.
Nehammer also referred to the humanitarian aid that Austria is providing to Ukraine. “We help wherever we can be it with protective equipment, medical supplies, fuel, but also by taking in people from the war zones.”
“My message to the leadership of the Russian Federation is clear,” the Chancellor formulated. “Enough is enough. Stop the bloodshed! Withdraw your troops! It’s time to sit back down at the negotiating table!”
To “the people of Ukraine, those fighting in the streets, those hiding in their homes or underground, those fleeing their homes,” the Chancellor also addressed a bilingual message, saying, “We stand by your side. Avstriya z vami.” (“Austria with them”). And further: “In these dark hours, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The only way forward is peace.”
- source: k.at/picture: (3) Facebook
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