Maroc - ENG.UATV.UA - A La Une - 28/Mar 13:07

Austria confirms readiness to host peace talks on Ukraine

Austria has reaffirmed its willingness to provide a platform for dialogue aimed at ending Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated this in an interview with Die Presse, according to Ukrinform. "Yes, I have repeatedly offered this, including in Ukraine. I also raised this issue at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. Of course, we are offering ourselves as a venue," Meinl-Reisinger said, referring to her recent remarks at a UN Security Council meeting. She noted that Vienna is home to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which "clearly needs to ask itself some key questions -- namely, what role do we want to play in ensuring peace in Ukraine?" "My predecessor, Alexander Schallenberg from the Austrian People's Party, insisted quite strongly within the OSCE that Russia should continue to have a seat at the table. This has also drawn criticism. However, I believe it is important to have frameworks where Russia is also present and where there is room for dialogue. But the OSCE itself must develop its own ideas on what its contribution can be," she added. Meinl-Reisinger also expressed hope that the United States remains a reliable partner for Europe. "I am aware of our strong historical partnership. However, it is clear that these relations will be restructured, and much of what we are hearing from the new Trump administration is not helpful. For us, it is absolutely clear that territorial integrity and sovereignty must be upheld in every part of the world -- not just in Ukraine. No one should be able to say, 'I will use military, economic, or any other force to take what I believe I am entitled to,'" she said. Meinl-Reisinger described Donald Trump as "a disruptor." "That is his approach -- he embodies disruption. The question is, how far will this process go? Will it lead to complete destruction, including of democratic institutions, freedom of thought, and pluralism? Or will it be a push that ultimately fosters something new and constructive through synergy? I am an incurable optimist and hope for the latter," she said. Earlier, Meinl-Reisinger reiterated Austria's commitment to supporting Ukraine and working toward a just and lasting peace for both Ukraine and Europe. The post Austria confirms readiness to host peace talks on Ukraine appeared first on Freedom.