As of: February 16, 2024, 5:24 a.m
By: Florian Naumann
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Wars in Ukraine and Israel, NATO under Trump's fire - sensitive debates are taking place at the Munich Siko 2024.
News ticker.
Munich Siko
is starting its 60th edition: core topics include the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza.
Celebrities at the
security conference
in the
Bayerischer Hof
: Kamala Harris, Volodymyr Selenskyj and China's chief diplomat Wang Yi.
In this
news ticker
we accompany Siko 2024 for you with on-site correspondent reports and current information.
Preliminary report:
Munich - Whatever you want to call it, MSC, Security Conference or “Siko” for short: The meeting of top and defense politicians, diplomats, NGOs and arms representatives is celebrating its anniversary in 2024.
We are meeting in Munich for the 60th time.
But happiness is not to be expected.
Russia's war in Ukraine, fighting and humanitarian distress in Gaza and now a moderate NATO crisis overshadow the date.
Wang Yi, Kamala Harris and Volodymyr Selenskyj (from left) will be on site at the Munich Siko 2024.
© Montage: Imago/dpa/picture-alliance/Imagebroker/Hannes P. Albert/Sven Hoppe/Peter Kneffel/fn
When it comes to the war in Israel, conference head Christoph Heusgen is hoping for discussions away from the podium: representatives from Israel, Palestine and the Arab world are there in Munich.
When it comes to Ukraine, the situation on the diplomatic front is even bleaker.
Volodymyr Selenskyj is traveling to the Siko.
But representatives of Russia – just like those of Iran – are not welcome.
According to Heusgen, there is currently no basis for constructive talks with both governments.
Siko starts in Munich: Zelensky is there – Biden sends Kamala Harris
So Russia will be the main topic of discussion.
But the selection of ministers, heads of state and government is large.
According to Heusgen, “more than 180 high-ranking government representatives” are taking part in the Siko.
UN chief António Guterres will give the opening speech.
The detailed list of participants remained secret for a long time.
However, reports are circulating about the arrival of political celebrities from many of the more powerful nations.
China surprised with a peace initiative for Ukraine in 2023.
USA:
Vice President Kamala Harris
China:
Foreign Minister Wang Yi
Germany:
including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius
Israel:
President Yitzchak Herzog, Foreign Minister Israel Katz
Ukraine:
Volodymyr Zelenskyj
Further fuel was provided by statements by possible US presidential candidate Donald Trump, who accused Russia of being a NATO partner who was lazy about spending on armaments.
NATO boss Jens Stoltenberg - a regular guest at Siko - will also be under pressure in Munich this weekend to dispel any doubts about the strength of the alliance.
In addition, US military aid to Ukraine is currently limping.
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However, the crisis issues are not limited to the two most prominent sources, Ukraine and Israel.
In the annual security report, the Siko makers warn of a global “lose-lose situation” in view of the global risks of conflict.
Crises in Somalia, Sudan and Haiti are also on the agenda – and the topic of “climate security”.
Siko 2024 in the Ukraine and Israel wars: a state of emergency in world politics - and at the Bavarian Court
The Siko is a feat of strength for the security forces in Munich.
In view of a record number of participants and an enlarged security zone, the police are planning a major operation with more than 5,000 emergency services.
Police Vice President Michael Dibowski spoke of “increased abstract danger” due to the geopolitical situation.
However, there is no information about specific threats.
A large number of demonstrations, protests and rallies are also planned.
The peace movement meets on Saturday at Stachus and plans to “encircle” the Bayerischer Hof.
On the same day, people from Ukraine also want to demonstrate at Odeonsplatz - an alliance with close ties to the lateral thinker scene is also taking to the streets again.
Last year, German-Russian flags could be seen there and tirades could be heard directed at the invaded Ukraine.
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