In principle, “there have been no changes” to the line, said Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (VP) yesterday.
The interior ministry left open the question of whether Austria would stick to its position even if the capital Kabul falls into the hands of the Taliban, as observers expect. “The security situation in Afghanistan is being continuously monitored and assessed together with the Foreign Ministry,” it said.
“Hell on Earth”
In contrast to Nehammer, Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler from the Greens emphasized on Thursday evening that it was “almost unimaginable” for him that deportation flights to Afghanistan will be organized in the next few weeks.
Gerald Schpfer, President of the Red Cross, yesterday called on the Austrian government to end the deportations to Afghanistan. “Red Cross representatives on site and representatives of the Red Crescent agree that this is hell on earth,” said Schpfer.
It would not be humane to send people there now. Austria had to meet its international obligations to protect human rights. “I would like to see politicians who walk upright. Who respect the rule of law, the obligations that Austria entered into in good times, even in times when it is not popular,” demanded Schpfer.
