Indonesian FM Urges Austria to Recognize State of Palestine

Vienna, The Gulf Observer: During her visit to Vienna on Tuesday, June 25, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi expressed hope that Austria would consider recognizing the State of Palestine. In a written statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marsudi emphasized the importance of this recognition as a demonstration of consistent support for a two-state solution.

“I convey Indonesia’s hope that Austria can start considering its recognition of Palestine,” Marsudi stated.

In discussions with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, Marsudi acknowledged Austria’s challenging position but reiterated the significance of recognizing Palestine to align with Austria’s support for a resolution through a two-state solution.

Additionally, Marsudi expressed gratitude for Austria’s support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Although Austria had previously frozen aid to UNRWA, the Austrian Government decided on May 18 to reactivate funding, allocating a budget of 3.4 million euros for 2024.

Marsudi highlighted that since October 7, 2023, Austria has provided humanitarian aid worth 32 million euros through the World Food Program (WFP) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This assistance is crucial for supporting the lives of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, where high levels of food insecurity affect the entire population of Gaza, approximately 2.23 million people.

She underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities to protect innocent lives in Gaza. “Once again, a ceasefire must be implemented immediately, and the war must be stopped, so that we can immediately save the lives of innocent people in Gaza,” Marsudi emphasized.