The Austrian Chancellor explained that the migration flows since 2015 have already brought antisemitism, homophobia, and people “not exactly upholding women’s rights” in Europe.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Russian President Vladimir Putin are refusing to accept “refugees” from Afghanistan. Both Presidents cite security concerns for not admitting Afghanis and the need to put the welfare of their citizens first.
Sebastian Kurz Fears More “Particularly Difficult” Afghans
Chancellor Kurz stressed that although the “events in Afghanistan are dramatic,” Austria would “repeat the mistakes of 2015.” With more than 40,000 Afghans already present in Austria, the country hosts the largest Afghan community in Europe.
In a recent interview with Austrian television station Puls 4, the Chancellor spoke of the “particularly difficult integration” of the Afghani refugee population in Austria. Kurz explained that the migration flows since 2015 have already brought antisemitism, homophobia, and people “not exactly upholding women’s rights” in Europe.
Kurz suggests that people from Afghanistan should be helped in neighboring countries rather than European countries. He particularly highlighted Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which are both Muslim majority countries. The leader stressed that the EU should support countries in the region taking in the migrants.
Vladimir Putin fears “disguised fighters”
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that his country would not accept Afghan refugees because of safety concerns for his citizens. Putin fears the arrival of Islamic fighters who are said to be hiding among the refugees:
Who could be hiding among these refugees? We don’t know. Hundreds, even hundreds of thousands or perhaps millions of people may want to flee the territory. And we have no visa restrictions with our closest allies and neighbors.