Austria (Muhammad Amir Siddique)After the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, it is now important to act quickly to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and a refugee crisis. Dr Pamela Rendi-Wagner and SPÖ security spokesman Reinhold Einwallner therefore propose a kind of “Turkey deal” with
Afghanistan’s neighboring states in order to create safe protection zones in the regions in accordance with human rights and to prevent uncontrolled escape to Europe. The victory and seizure of power by the Taliban surprised the entire international community at its pace, and the consequences are catastrophic: Millions of Afghans are on the run with no prospects, and the consequences for the rest of the world cannot yet be foreseen. Austria and the EU should now take a leading role in helping the people in the region and contributing to stabilization. “We – the international community, Europe and also the Austrian federal government – must act now! We are confronted with a crisis and must ensure that it does not develop into a humanitarian crisis and a refugee crisis – time always counts, “says Rendi-Wagner, who suggests the appointment of an EU special envoy for Afghanistan as a first step. This person has to be a respected political figure, a former head of government or foreign minister who negotiates on an equal footing with neighboring countries but also with Afghanistan, that is, with the Taliban. “That is a big challenge. You don’t know how the negotiator will react, but we have to try. That is in our interest ”, stresses Rendi-Wagner. Preventing the refugee crisis – cooperation with neighboring countries
One thing is clear: a humanitarian and refugee crisis must be prevented at all costs! To this end, access for international aid organizations must first be unhindered and safe. In addition, the EU should immediately seek cooperation and cooperation with the neighboring states of Afghanistan, accept the refugees and also support these countries financially. Rendi-Wagner prochses a kind of “Turkey deal” with Afghanistan’s neighbors: “We must not leave refugees alone – it is also in our interest that people are safely cared for and that Afghanistan’s neighbors enter into cooperation with Europe. The goal must be to establish safe protection zones in order to prevent uncontrolled escape to Europe, ”said Rendi-Wagner. This can also prevent. Security conference in Austria. In order for refugees to have the prospect of returning to Afghanistan again, security and stability are needed in their home country as quickly as possible. Austria can take an initiative here and offer itself as a neutral location for an international Afghanistan conference in which the EU, the United Nations, Afghanistan and all of its neighboring countries (Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China, Pakistan) are to take part. The UN must also be on board to ensure peace and stability in the region in the medium and long term. Rendi-Wagner on this: “We cannot simply write off the Afghan people! The crisis is a bitter reality and we have to deal with it! ”The talks must also focus on international aid funds, they are the only means of pressure, Rendi-Wagner is convinced. The government must ensure the rapid evacuation of Austrian citizens
In addition to the medium and long-term measures, there must now be a quick evacuation of the Austrian citizens who are still in Afghanistan. But instead of getting them out of the crisis region, Austria has a Chancellor “who has not yet commented on this crisis in one sentence,” criticized Rendi-Wagner. SPÖ security spokesman Reinhold Einwallner also sees the performance of the government, which argues about deportations, which are de facto no longer possible, a “pathetic spectacle that is shameful”. He calls for a debate on a factual basis, more data and facts and an end to the “instrumentalization of people” by the ÖVP. The SPÖ will therefore submit a parliamentary question to find out, among other things. There is no nationwide security structure for Austria. SPÖ security spokesman Reinhold Einwallner also warns of the domestic political consequences for Austria and Europe in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover. He sees a growing threat from Islamic terrorism – there is no nationwide security structure. The SPÖ therefore calls for central security policy coordination, since security is a cross-departmental issue that affects more than one ministry. Austria needs a counter-terrorism center. In addition to swift foreign policy measures, this is an immediate task for the government.
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