Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese government is still reviewing routine items on its agenda and has yet to begin discussions on the first point concerning the exclusivity of arms
Kremlin: Russia no longer has restrictions on the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range land-based missiles
Yemeni Armed Forces: Operation achieved objective successfully, leading to millions of Zionists to flee to shelters, halting airport operations.
Yemeni Armed Forces spokesperson Gen. Yahya Saree: We have executed a military operation targeting Lod Airport with Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: One was killed, another injured in a raid by an Israeli drone on the city of Khiam in South Lebanon
London views possibility of setting fire to tanker in port of friendly country to Russia to damage port infrastructure, initiate an international probe: Moscow
One of London's scenarios involves setting up accident with 'undesirable' tanker in one of the bottlenecks of maritime communications: Russian foreign intelligence agency
London plans to organize major sabotage with tankers to declare transportation of Russian oil to international shipping: Russian foreign intelligence agency
UK intelligence agencies plan to use NATO allies to launch massive raid on 'Shadow Fleet': Russian foreign intelligence agency
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin

Austrian lawmakers walk out during Zelensky address to parliament

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 30 Mar 2023 15:18
  • 9 Shares
2 Min Read

The politicians' move comes in opposition to Zelensky's speech which "violated Austria’s principle of neutrality."

  • x
  • Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen listens as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses Austria’s lower house by video link in Vienna (Reuters)
    Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen listens as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses Austria’s lower house by video link in Vienna (Reuters)

Austrian lawmakers from the opposition Freedom Party (FPOe) walked out of the lower house of Austria’s parliament during a virtual address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The politicians stressed that they were opposing the speech because it disregarded Austria's neutrality principle.

Zelensky, who is begging for more lethal weapons ahead of an expected counteroffensive this spring, joined Austria's lower house's morning session via video link.

Little signs with the party insignia and the phrases “space for neutrality” or “space for peace” were left on the desks of lawmakers who left the chamber.

FPOe leader Herbert Kickl told journalists that Zelensky’s address violates Austria’s neutrality principle. It is worth noting that a protest was held outside the parliament building prior to the speech, demanding an upholding of the principle of neutrality.

The big picture

When countries such as Switzerland and Sweden abandoned their neutrality policies under NATO's pressure, one country refused to bend.

Austria has recently become the center of a heated debate about its neutrality, with detractors suggesting that it should send military supplies to Ukraine. Earlier this month, an open letter inked by Austrian politician and First Vice-President of the European Parliament Othmar Karas urged for a shift in Austria's security strategy.

Austrians have always regarded neutrality as part of their identity and wish to remain as disconnected from global politics as possible. It is worth noting that the current Chancellor Karl Nehammer was the first and only European to visit Moscow following the start of the war, while Austria's President, Alexander van der Bellen, visited Kiev.

Maintaining communication connections with all sides is consistent with Vienna's overall foreign policy strategy.

With the war entering its second year, there is mounting international pressure to show stronger support for Ukraine and take a harsher position against Russia.

All of this points to wider unresolved issues among NATO member states, which must contend with the fact that some states, such as Austria, do not perceive the Union as a cohesive geopolitical actor.

Read more: West wants to be done with Russia, seeks proxy war in Europe: Putin

  • Zelensky speech
  • neutrality
  • Austria
  • Ukraine

Most Read

An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025
An explosion seen during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv, Occupied Palestine, June 13, 2025 (AP)

If Iran is attacked again, geography of response may change: IRGC spox

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli soldiers drive on their armored personnel carrier back from inside the northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Full occupation of Gaza on the table despite military's opposition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the audience at a conference in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, Sunday, July 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Netanyahu blamed for sabotaging Gaza captives deal, say their families

A mine operated by Serra Verde Mining in Minacu, Goias state, Brazil, Monday, July 28, 2025 (AP)
Politics

China’s mineral export ban disrupts US defense supply chain

ap
Politics

Aid allowed by 'Israel' covers only 14% of Gaza's needs: Media Office

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS