Vienna (PK) – President of the National Council Wolfgang Sobotka and President of the Federal Council Claudia Arpa participated in the second parliamentary summit of the International Crimean Platform in Prague on 23 and 24 October. “This platform is an important initiative and a strong signal for the joint non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014”, said the President of the National Council, Sobotka, in his speech in the presence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Czech Republic. Markéta Pekarová Adamová, President of the Czech Senate Miloš Vystrčil and Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk. “Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing aggression in Ukraine are a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law,” emphasized Federal Council President Claudia Arpa.
The aim of the International Crimea Platform, founded by Ukraine in 2021, is to end the Russian occupation of Crimea and the associated strengthening of European and global security. The platform serves as a coordination and advice forum for government representatives, members of parliament and renowned experts. The meeting ended with the adoption of a joint statement.
Take action to combat the spread of misinformation
“Hamas’ horrific attacks on Israel have opened another front against the democratic community of states, against our common values and principles, and against humanity. The global legal order, which has already been shaken by Russia’s war of aggression, is therefore being further destabilized,” said National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka. In his speech, he highlighted the dangerous effects of the targeted dissemination of false narratives: “These disinformation campaigns add to physical violence with the aim of dividing our societies and our countries. Parliaments are called to take countermeasures: we must take action and issue regulations “To prevent the spread of misinformation,” Sobotka emphasized.
Investing in children’s future
In her speech, the President of the Federal Council, Claudia Arpa, drew attention to the suffering of Ukrainian women and children caused by the war of aggression. “It is our moral duty to protect and support Ukrainian children and ensure they have access to education, healthcare and psychological care. We must invest in their future because they are the hope for a peaceful and prosperous Ukraine,” says Arpa. In her speech, she recalled the cruel and violent abductions of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia and the terrible challenges that women have to overcome in conflict zones or after fleeing abroad and emphasized: “As elected representatives, we have a duty of promoting peace, “Promoting human rights and justice not only within our own borders, but also on the global stage.” (End) bea
NOTE: Photos of this event can be found on the Parliament portal.