Indonesia Asks Austria to Recognize Palestine
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi presented his appreciation to Austria for supporting UNRWA
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi expressed Indonesia's hope that Austria will consider recognition of the State of Palestine.
“I convey the hope of Indonesia, that Austria can begin to consider its recognition of Palestine,” Foreign Minister Retno said in a written statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the RI regarding the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday (25/6).
Retno expressed his hope to Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg that Indonesia understands Austria's still difficult position for now.
However, in light of Austria's support for a settlement through a two-negata solution, Retno assessed the issue of recognition of the State of Palestine as one step showing consistency of support for a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, in addition to expressing the hope that Austria will recognize the State of Palestine, Retno also expressed appreciation for Austria's support of the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
Austria temporarily froze aid to UNRWA. On May 18, the Austrian government decided to reactivate funding to UNRWA with a total budget of 3.4 million euros (approximately IDR 59.7 billion) for 2024.
He mentioned that since October 7, 2023, Austria has channeled 32 million euros (about IDR 562.4 billion) in humanitarian aid through the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Such humanitarian assistance is considered essential to support the lives of civil society in Gaza and also the West Bank.” It was recently reported that the entire population of Gaza (about 2.23 million) is experiencing a high level of food insecurity,” he said.
Therefore, he stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, a cessation of war, and efforts to save the lives of innocent people in Gaza.” Again, a ceasefire must be in place immediately, the war must be stopped, and we can immediately save the lives of innocent people in Gaza,” Retno said.