As of: February 18, 2024, 4:52 a.m
By: Florian Naumann
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Volodymyr Selenskyj and Olaf Scholz speak at the Munich Siko - their speeches are very different.
News ticker.
Zelensky
declares at Ukraine's Siko
Avdiivka withdrawal
: “Our soldiers are people”
Scholz
receives tough questions on the Siko podium: Germany “sick man again”?
Söder
opens
Munich Siko
: With a warning of “shame” for the West and a swipe at Trump
In this
news ticker
we accompany Siko 2024 for you with on-site correspondent reports and current information.
Update from February 17th, 10:05 p.m.:
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has warned of the incalculable consequences of expelling the Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
Such an expulsion would have consequences that should be avoided, he said on Saturday evening at the Munich Security Conference.
“It would be a threat to our national security.” This also means new security risks for Israel and it will certainly bring new unrest in the region.
From an Egyptian perspective, there is no proactive preparation for this scenario, but if it happens, humanitarian assistance to the civilian population will be necessary, Shoukry said.
“We have no plan for more Palestinian refugees.
“Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud stressed that his country is focusing on a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in the negotiations.
However, Saudi Arabia has no diplomatic relations with Israel.
The only way to achieve greater security would be a Palestinian state.
“That will be our focus after the fighting ends.”
First, the humanitarian catastrophe must be resolved, said Al Saud.
A Palestinian state is a big challenge, “but it is the right thing.”
The people in the Gaza Strip have a right to self-determination and it is also the right thing for stability and security in the region.
Munich Security Conference: Habeck brings new sanctions into play for Russia because of Navalny's death
Update from February 17th, 5:50 p.m.:
Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) has reopened the debate about an EU import ban on uranium and fuel elements from Russia in light of the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny.
While Germany has stopped Russian energy deliveries, there are "still uranium deliveries from Russia or from Rosatom to European nuclear power plants," Habeck told the
Welt TV
broadcaster on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference: "Basically, that doesn't work."
Within the EU, France in particular relies on nuclear power.
Critics point out that the country obtains much of the uranium it needs from the Russian company Rosatom and from Russia and CIS states such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Many eastern EU states also have Soviet-designed nuclear power plants and rely on Russian-made fuel elements.
Munich Security Conference: Pistorius talks about increased defense spending
Update from February 17th, 3:30 p.m.:
Pistorius does not rule out a further increase in defense spending at the Siko podium.
When asked by moderator Silvia Amaro whether a four percent target would be more realistic than NATO's two percent target, Pistorius acknowledged a possible need.
He had previously speculated that the US focus might shift to the Indo-Pacific.
Europe is “challenged”.
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“Well, I’m a lawyer.
And everyone knows that lawyers don’t like numbers,” Pistorius replied to the question.
It's also about gears interlocking, for example in arms production.
“We could get to 3 percent or 3.5 percent,” he said.
But that depends on developments in the world and also in the German economy.
Update from February 17th, 3:20 p.m.:
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned at the Siko of a “separation” in Europe that will probably last decades.
“Free and democratic Europe on the one hand, authoritarian and warmongering Russia on the other.” “Deterrence is life insurance,” emphasized the SPD politician.
Pistorius referred to new “production lines” for military equipment, the Bundeswehr’s commitment to NATO’s eastern flank and increased arms spending.
“But it is clear that we can do more in Europe and must do more,” he emphasized.
At the same time, you sometimes have to leave your comfort zone and take the interests of other countries, for example in the global south, into account.
The West must “get off its high horse.”
No judgment on Putin at Siko: China wants to continue “growing relations” with Russia
Update from February 17th, 1:40 p.m.:
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has once again called for a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine war at the Munich Siko.
“China is working tirelessly” on this, Wang Yi said, according to the official translation.
The aim is to pave the way for peace talks, prevent a vicious circle and stabilize the situation.
“The security interests of both countries must be recognized,” emphasized Wang.
He did not condemn the Russian war of aggression.
Update from February 17th, 12:15 p.m.:
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi offered cooperation to the United States at Siko - but also defended relations with Vladimir Putin's Russia.
Experience shows that if the USA and China work together, “great things” can be achieved, he said.
“Russia is China’s largest neighbor,” he added.
Growing relations are in the interests of both countries.
Wang also comments on the conflict over Taiwan.
For security in the Taiwan Strait, the island nation's independence must be “rejected.”
Surprise at Munich Siko: Von der Leyen is thinking about EU “defense commissioner”
Update from February 17th, 11:55 a.m.:
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unexpectedly announced an innovation during her Siko appearance: If she is given her office again after the European elections, she will appoint a Commissioner for Defense, she explained.
She did not provide any further details.
The EU does not yet have such a position.
Update from February 17th, 11:10 a.m.:
The first large multi-person panel of Siko Saturday showed above all the plight of further weapons aid for Ukraine: Republican US Senator Pete Ricketts answered repeated questions about a new US package with the Reference to democratic processes and further necessary “time” - at the same time he referred to an emergency at the southern border of the United States.
This caused discontent in parts of the plenary session.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called on the US to deliver “what they promised” to Ukraine.
There is an “absolute necessity” for the US Congress to decide “as quickly as possible” on military aid to Kiev.
Meanwhile, an explosive thesis is circulating in the Siko environment about the further circumstances of Alexei Navalny's alleged death.
Update from February 17th, 10:42 a.m.:
Over the past two hours there has been repeated talk of a possible “destruction” of the Baltic states or Poland by Vladimir Putin's Russia - Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has apparently heard enough: "We are not NATO states second class,” she emphasizes in the group with Stoltenberg and Ricketts.
An attack on one NATO country is an attack on all NATO countries.
She looked at the exact mileage: “They are much closer to war than we are,” she explains, looking at the Munich plenum.
Update from February 17th, 10:33 a.m.:
“We see no direct threat against a NATO member,” but there should be no room for Moscow to make “miscalculations,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made clear in the next panel: NATO must move forward are closed, then there will be no danger of an attack.
Fellow discussant Pete Ricketts, US Senator, initially responds to a question about new aid with an appeal to Europe: States still have to do “more”.
Not all countries are still meeting the two percent target, he complains.
In a democracy, however, it takes “time” to make decisions.
“I think we will get there,” he emphasizes when it comes to a new US aid package.
“If Putin wins in Ukraine, he will continue, he is a dictator,” Ricketts admits at the same time.
Munich Siko 2024: Scholz and Selenskyj in focus on Saturday
Update from February 17th, 10:25 a.m.:
With appearances by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Volodymyr Selenskyj, Saturday has already seen its first highlights at the Munich Siko.
In an urgent speech, Zelensky warned of a “global catastrophe” but also a possible “destruction” of the Baltic states or Poland if Vladimir Putin was not stopped.
Secret service circles are aware of these dangers.
He defended the withdrawal from Avdiivka as a “professional decision” to protect the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
“The threat from Russia is real,” emphasized Scholz.
At the same time, he referred to Ukraine's military successes and new unity and arms efforts in the NATO alliance.
But the Chancellor also had to listen to critical questions - such as how Germany, as a "sick man", could maintain its support.
He evasively answered an indirect appeal from the audience for Ukraine to join NATO before the end of the war.
Zelensky invites Trump to the Siko to the front in the Ukraine war
Update from February 17th, 10:18 a.m.:
He publicly invited Donald Trump to Ukraine, says Zelenskyj in response to a question from the audience.
He is ready to visit the front line with “Mr. Trump” at any time.
It is important to demonstrate what “the real war is”: “Not Instagram, the real war.”
Update from February 17th, 10:15 a.m.:
The question of mobilization is “complex,” explains Zelensky.
It is also about the fact that frontline soldiers are exhausted.
“I cannot share the number of losses, the number of victims,” says Zelensky.
In Avdiivka the ratio of losses was approximately “one to seven”.
It's terrible to lose even a single person - "but we didn't start all this," he emphasizes.
Update from February 17th, 10:10 a.m.:
CNN
presenter
Amanpour wants to give Selenskyj the opportunity to send an appeal to the US Congress, where a new aid package is currently being debated.
“Are we on TV?” asks Zelenskyj – “then I won’t do that”.
He refers to the following personal conversations and thanks the USA for its help so far.
You will have to work as a “united team”.
Otherwise, Russia will “destroy” Ukraine, the Baltic states and also Poland.
“You can do that,” says Zelensky.
In 2014, Ukraine was not ready for war.
Today there is no country in the rest of Europe that is prepared for an “invasion”.
It's also about psychological effects.
Nobody prepared their country for an invasion.
Volodymyr Zelenskyj also spoke in Munich not in a suit, but in a sweater.
© Felix Hörhager/dpa/picture-alliance
Update from February 17th, 10:07 a.m.:
As soon as Russia no longer has air sovereignty, the situation will change, Zelensky indicates.
Where there are air defense systems, people return.
At the same time, Russia is withdrawing because it is losing its aircraft.
However, these defensive weapons are also in short supply - as are long-range artillery.
“A person fights against artillery – that’s not fair,” says Zelensky.
Russia will be able to “surprise” with new drone systems this year.
Zelensky declares at Ukraine's Siko Avdiivka withdrawal: "Our soldiers are people"
Update from February 17th, 10:03 a.m.:
Zelenskyy answered a question about the situation surrounding the withdrawal in Avdiivka clearly: It was a professional decision to protect the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
Weapons deliveries could only “help,” says Zelensky.
But the first and most important factor is people.
Russia has been attacking the city with thousands of soldiers since October.
“We don’t have long-range weapons, we don’t have enough of them,” says Zelensky.
“Our soldiers are people,” he emphasizes.
Update from February 17th, 10:01 a.m.:
Brief confusion on stage: Before the interview part of his performance, Zelenskyj puts on the headphones for simultaneous interpreting.
He explains that he has no signal.
“But I don’t need it,” he says after a brief praise for his English skills from presenter Christiane Amanpour.
He then keeps the receiver on.
“Putin is a monster”: Zelensky gives a fiery speech at the Munich Siko
Update from February 17, 9:58 a.m.:
“Please don’t ask Ukraine when the war will end.
Ask yourself why Putin is still able to continue it,” Zelensky concludes.
He also thanks those present for their support.
“May our rules-based world never become yesterday’s world.
Glory of Ukraine,” are his last words.
The Ukrainian president receives a standing ovation.
Update from February 17, 9:45 a.m.:
It has been shown that European air defense systems can repel any Russian weapon, emphasizes Zelensky.
With further support of this kind, it could be possible to bring “millions of people home”.
“We can win back our country and Putin can lose,” says the Ukrainian president.
“Putin's policy of controlled poverty has made human life in Russia worthless.
“In addition, Putin’s years of self-isolation and impunity have led to his absolute decline; he is now openly justifying Hitler,” says Zelensky, a reference to the Tucker Carlson interview.
“After the murder of Alexei Navalny, it is absurd to view Putin as the supposed legitimate head of the Russian state: he is a criminal who maintains his power through corruption and violence.”
Putin's "career" can only end in two ways, says Zelensky: in a trial in The Hague - or through the murder of one of the companions who are now "killing for Putin".
“We shouldn’t fear Putin’s defeat,” he emphasizes.
Putin is a “monster” who has wiped out thousands of lives in Ukraine – but has also “slaughtered” people in Chechnya or Syria and invaded Georgia.
Zelensky warns of global “catastrophe” at Siko: “Secret services are aware”
Update from February 17th, 9:36 a.m.:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj is now speaking to the audience in Munich.
“There is no one among us for whom the ongoing war in Europe is not a danger,” he says.
It is a war by Russia against any rule-based order.
The longer this continues, the greater the impact, warns Zelenskyj - up to and including a “global catastrophe”.
NATO Assistance Article 5 is more than ever not a question for Washington, but for the capitals in Europe, Zelensky states.
“The year 2024 demands a response from around the world.
If you don't act now, Putin will succeed in turning the next few years into a catastrophe, including for other nations." The secret services are aware of this.
However, Ukraine has refuted the myth that Russia can take over any country within a few days - as well as the myth that Ukraine is not a real state or that Russian weapons are superior to those of the West.
Update from February 17th, 9:32 a.m.:
The first question from the audience is also rather critical: Will Ukraine become a NATO member?
“And please don’t say you’ll think about it after the war!” Scholz refers to the successes so far in Ukraine’s defense campaign.
The decision of the NATO summit in Vilnius is crucial - the Chancellor briefly struggles for words.
The wording of the agreement is serious and can be trusted.
At that time it was said that an invitation to join would be issued if the requirements for membership were met.
Update from February 17th, 9:25 a.m.:
Scholz may – or must – also comment directly on Donald Trump.
What if Trump wins the 2024 US election?
First of all, we have to wait for the results, says the Chancellor.
At the same time, the connection between the United States and the EU is in better condition than ever before.
Indirectly, Scholz also seems to want to take the wind out of Trump's criticism of military spending.
Expenditures have increased significantly: Russia will find that it will not be able to keep up with the numbers of the strong economies.
Scholz receives tough questions on the Siko podium: Germany “sick man again”?
Update from February 17th, 9:19 a.m.:
The - albeit unconfirmed - news of Navalny's death depresses him, says Scholz in the following interview on the Siko stage.
The question arises as to whether these are signs of Putin's "weakness" or a usual pattern of the Kremlin leader's time in power.
“Both,” is Scholz’s own answer.
The second question from journalist Hadley Gamble is somewhat provocative: How can one help Ukraine if one is “once again the sick man of Europe”.
“That’s not who we are,” replies the Chancellor.
Germany has more people in work than ever before and, above all, needs more staff, and at the same time there is major investment.
As an export nation, the Federal Republic of course feels global problems.
Olaf Scholz during the question and answer session at Munich Siko 2024. © Sven Hoppe/dpa/picture-alliance
Update from February 17th, 9:14 a.m.:
Olaf Scholz also seems to want to confront Donald Trump.
In view of the war in Ukraine, NATO must be credible.
Only then will Putin understand that there will be no “dictated” peace.
But the alliance is more united than ever before.
Scholz refers to the turnaround special fund and the Bundeswehr support in Lithuania.
“Putin wanted to take Kiev in two weeks, and two years later Ukraine has recaptured more than half of the occupied territories,” emphasizes Scholz.
This is mainly thanks to the Ukrainian army.
The aid also made a contribution - that must be an “incentive” to continue to support the country resolutely.
Munich Siko starts day two: Scholz and Selenskyj live in the ticker
Update from February 17th, 9:08 a.m.:
Scholz primarily wants to comment on the war in Ukraine, as he says right at the beginning of his speech.
Many parts of the Russian army are intact, the Russian economy has long been operating in war mode, and Vladimir Putin has largely brought science, society and culture into line.
Scholz speaks of “outrageous news” about the death of Alexei Navalny.
The question is: “Are we doing enough to signal to Putin: We are in for the long haul.”
“The threat from Russia is real,” says Scholz, so one’s own ability to deter must be credible.
But they don't want a direct conflict;
Therefore, no soldiers will be sent to Ukraine.
But every square meter of the NATO alliance will be defended and the military will be further modernized.
The Chancellor also refers to the aid for Ukraine - for example the EU's 50 billion package or the admission of four million refugees to Germany.
Update from February 17th, 9:01 a.m.:
The main program of the second Siko day will begin in a few minutes.
The focus will initially be on two heavyweights: Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Volodymyr Selenskyj will give speeches and answer questions.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia spoke publicly at the security conference.
Munich Siko, Day 1: Trump unspoken focus – new figures on aid to Ukraine
Update from February 16th, 4:45 p.m.:
Europe is currently leading the ranking of aid provided to Ukraine - and Germany takes a top spot in absolute numbers.
This emerges from a “Ukraine Tracker” from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), which was presented on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
The basis is new data that takes into account not only actual deliveries, but also aid allocations for the near future.
When it comes to total aid "allocations", Europe - the EU states plus the UK, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland - has been ahead of the USA since the beginning of the Russian attack on Ukraine, explained researcher Christoph Trebesch at a press conference.
The United States is still the most important donor of military aid.
In absolute numbers, the Nordic countries and Germany are the most important providers of military aid within Europe, well ahead of the United Kingdom, Poland, Italy and France.
In terms of gross domestic product, Estonia and Denmark provided the most decisive support.
Trebesch also warned of a decline in support.
The “dynamics” in 2023 were lower than in the previous year – in the autumn there was almost a “collapse” of aid.
After the end of the recording period in January, there was at least some movement again.
Trump as an elephant in the Siko room: Kamala Harris points to Putin's losses
Update from February 16th, 3:15 p.m.:
A first interim conclusion after the Siko opening speeches: Shortly before a possible renewed US presidential candidacy, Donald Trump is the elephant in the main hall of the conference in the Bayerischer Hof.
Markus Söder already indirectly mentioned Trump's statements about NATO in his welcome speech.
US Vice President Kamala Harris almost seemed to be giving a campaign speech.
Their tenor: Only a global leadership role for the USA can ensure peace and freedom in the world - a withdrawal by the United States, on the other hand, is a threat to security and prosperity at home and abroad.
In particular, a cuddly course with “dictators” is dangerous.
Even though Harris didn't say the name "Trump," the reference was clear.
During his time in office, Trump had repeatedly positioned himself as a possible partner for Vladimir Putin, counted NATO and indicated that the USA would withdraw from its global role.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres broadened the focus.
In addition to wars and “chaos” and lawlessness all over the world, he also named the climate catastrophe and the dangers of AI and disinformation as key dangers.
Guterres explicitly condemned both Hamas' terror and “collective punishment” in the Gaza Strip.
The top UN official came under fire for statements on the subject at the start of the war in Israel and Gaza.
Meanwhile, numerous side events and panels are also running.
On the sidelines of an appointment, ex-CSU minister Andreas Scheuer defended
Söder's statements towards the Greens at the Political Ash Wednesday to
Merkur.de .
Update from February 16, 2:50 p.m.:
Harris refers to her first security conference two years ago: At that time, everyone assumed that Kiev would fall to Russian attack within a few days.
“Today Kiev stands safe and strong,” she emphasizes.
“Make no mistake: Putin’s war is already a frightening mistake for Russia,” she explains.
Russia had lost two-thirds of its tanks;
Because of Putin's ruthlessness, the country lost 300,000 soldiers.
A key to Ukraine's success was aid from the USA and Europe.
Economic sanctions also caused problems for the Kremlin.
“I will make it clear: President Joe Biden and I will stand with Ukraine,” Harris said.
NATO is the largest military alliance the world has seen.
“An attack on one is an attack on all,” she emphasizes.
After September 11th, the partners supported the USA in accordance with NATO Article 5.
Nevertheless, before Biden's term in office, "some questioned the importance of NATO" and wanted to withdraw US troops from Europe, recalls Harris;
another swipe at Donald Trump.
NATO is now stronger than before, especially on its eastern flank.
However, no achievement is irreversible.
The fight for peace and freedom must continue.
“In the case of Putin, this means that the whole of Europe is in danger,” if one state does not clearly oppose an attack on a sovereign neighboring country.
Kamala Harris during her speech shortly after the start of the Munich Siko 2024. © Sven Hoppe/dpa/picture-alliance
Update from February 16, 2:39 p.m.:
The Siko podium now belongs to US Vice President Kamala Harris.
She also first commented on the alleged death of Alexei Navalny: If the reports are confirmed, it would be further evidence of Vladimir Putin's brutality, she warns.
It is in the interest of the American people to continue to confirm US global “leadership,” emphasizes Harris – probably in an unspoken reference to Donald Trump.
Among other things, democratic values must be fought for, both in the world and internally.
Joe Biden's deputy almost seems to be giving a campaign speech: trying to "embrace" dictators is "dangerous, destabilizing and short-sighted."
“Our leadership keeps our people safe,” she emphasized.
The goal must be “stability from Europe to the Indo-Pacific”.
Guterres sets the tone for Siko 2024: Nuclear, climate and AI threats
Update from February 16, 1:54 p.m.:
“We absolutely need a sustainable and just peace for Ukraine,” emphasizes Guterres.
The global peace architecture must also be strengthened.
“Security Council reform will be necessary, as will a new commitment to eliminating nuclear weapons,” he added.
“The truth is being suppressed in a world of deepfakes and disinformation campaigns,” says Guterres.
Anti-Semitism is spreading, as is racial discrimination.
Tech companies should refrain from profiting from this kind of hate, he says.
The global economy must “serve everyone” and national contributions to reducing CO2 emissions must now be implemented, are Guterres’ other key demands.
Update from February 16th, 1:50 p.m.:
UN Secretary General António Guterres now has the floor.
The world order is more fragmented than at any time in the past 70 years, he warns - even during the Cold War the situation was less dangerous.
In addition to nuclear dangers, there is also the climate crisis and the uncertainties of artificial intelligence.
A multipolar world also offers opportunities - but the transition to a new order could also bring chaos.
“That is why we must do everything we can to restore the rule of law,” emphasizes the head of the United Nations.
Millionen von Zivilisten zahlten aktuell einen „furchtbaren Preis“, eine Rekordzahl an Vertriebenen sei zu beklagen. Nichts könne die Taten der Hamas rechtfertigen, aber auch nichts die „kollektive Bestrafung“ in Gaza, sagt Guterres mit Blick auf den Krieg in Israel. Im Moment sei Rafah der Kernstück der Internationalen Hilfe, dort kämpften Geflüchtete um ihr Überleben. Zugleich sei nur eine Freilassung der Hamas-Geiseln den Weg zu einer Lösung ebnen.
Update vom 16. Februar, 13.42 Uhr: Heusgen zählt die Konfliktherde in der Welt auf – darunter neben dem Ukraine-Krieg und den Kämpfen und dem humanitären Leid in Gaza auch Haiti, Afghanistan oder die Lage der Rohingya – betont aber eine optimistische Note: All diese Konflikte seien menschengemacht, insofern könnten sie auch von Menschen beeinflusst werden; die Sicherheitskonferenz sei eine Chance für Schritte nach vorne. Nur in Rechtsstaatlichkeit und Versöhnung, niemals in Rache, könne die Lösung liegen.
Söder eröffnet Münchner Siko – mit Warnung vor „Schande“ für den Westen und Seitenhieb auf Trump
Update vom 16. Februar, 13.36 Uhr: Als erster Politiker spricht auf der Siko-Hauptbühne Markus Söder. Im Jahr 2024 gelte für die als „Wehrkunde-Tagung“ gestartete Sicherheitskonferenz „back to the roots“, sagt der bayerische Ministerpräsident: Es gehe wieder um Freiheit, Sicherheit, Wehrhaftigkeit.
Söder verweist auf die Streitigkeiten um Ukraine-Hilfen: Es wäre eine „Schande“ für den Westen und eine „Schäbigkeit“, wenn Russland den Angriffskrieg gewinne, weil die Ukraine etwa nicht genügend Munition erhalte. Die Nato sei „keine Schutzgeldgemeinschaft“, betont Söder zugleich; ein Seitenhieb auf die jüngsten Äußerungen von Donald Trump.
Auch ein paar Klassiker kann sich der CSU-Chef nicht verkneifen: Berlin sei schön, aber München sei „schöner“, sagt er. Auch ein „Star Wars“-Verweis fehlt nicht: Man stehe auf der „hellen Seite der Macht“, betont Söder: „May the force be with us.“
Markus Söder am Freitag auf dem Podium der 60. Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz. © Sven Hoppe/dpa/picture-alliance
Update vom 16. Februar, 13.35 Uhr: Siko-Chef Christoph Heusgen beginnt seine Rede mit Worten der Trauer um den verstorbenen Alexej Nawalny. Der nach russischen Angaben verstorbene Putin-Kritiker sei ein „sehr besonderer Mensch gewesen“, sagt Heusgen. Nawalnys Frau Julia habe eigentlich an der Konferenz teilnehmen wollen – um über Perspektiven für ein besseres Russland zu sprechen.
Update vom 16. Februar, 13.29 Uhr: Seit dem Morgen läuft die 60. Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz mit ersten Diskussionsrunden – der offizielle Startschuss fällt aber in wenigen Minuten. Dann werden Konferenzleiter Christoph Heusgen und Bayerns Ministerpräsident Markus Söder die Siko eröffnen.
Unterdessen finden auch schon erste Demonstrationen: Am Rande des Konferenzgebiets, auf dem Münchner Odeonsplatz, protestierte am Mittag die iranische Opposition gegen das Regime in Teheran.
Münchner Siko: Leiter Heusgen will „europäischen Nato-Pfeiler“ stärken – und spricht auch über Atomwaffen
Update vom 16. Februar, 9.28 Uhr: Unmittelbar vor dem Start der 60. Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz (MSK) hat Konferenzleiter Christoph Heusgen die Wichtigkeit des „europäischen Pfeilers der Nato“ unterstrichen. „Es ist richtig, dass wir uns in Europa auch viel mehr um unsere eigene Sicherheit bemühen“, sagte Heusgen am Freitag im ARD-„Morgenmagazin“ angesprochen auf die Äußerung von Ex-US-Präsident Donald Trump, im Falle seiner Wiederwahl säumige Nato-Bündnispartner nicht verteidigen zu wollen.
„Hier sollten wir durchaus auf das Angebot des französischen Präsidenten eingehen, dass man über die französische Atomstreitmacht redet“ und gleichzeitig „die Engländer mit einbeziehen“, die ebenfalls eine Atommacht sind, sagte Heusgen. Der „europäische Pfeiler der Nato“ müsse „in Ergänzung zum Bündnis und zu den amerikanischen Fähigkeiten“ bestehen.
Heusgen betonte, alle europäischen Mitglieder müssten das Zwei-Prozent-Ziel für Verteidigung einhalten. „Wir müssen als Nato-Partner zusammenhalten, wir müssen alle unseren Beitrag leisten, weil wir damit auch den europäischen Pfeiler der Nato stützen“, forderte er. Heusgen sagte im Morgenmagazin, es gebe derzeit eine „ungewöhnliche Häufung von Krisen“. Dies sei „ein Grund mehr, zusammenzukommen“, um nach Auswegen zu suchen.
Siko in München: Es geht um die Ukraine, Gaza und Trumps Nato-Aussagen
Vorbericht: München – Wie man es nun auch nennen mag, MSC, Sicherheitskonferenz oder kurz „Siko“: Das Treffen von Spitzen- und Verteidigungspolitikern, Diplomaten, NGOs und Rüstungsvertretern feiert 2024 Jubiläum. Zum 60. Mal trifft man sich in München. Fröhlichkeit ist aber nicht zu erwarten. Russlands Ukraine-Krieg, Kämpfe und humanitäre Not in Gaza und nun auch noch eine mittelschwere Nato-Krise überschatten den Termin.
Bei der Münchner Siko 2024 sind unter anderem Wang Yi, Kamala Harris und Wolodymyr Selenskyj (v.l.) vor Ort. © Montage: Imago/dpa/picture-alliance/Imagebroker/Hannes P. Albert/Sven Hoppe/Peter Kneffel/fn
In Sachen Krieg in Israel hofft Konferenzchef Christoph Heusgen auf Gespräche abseits der Podien: Vertreter aus Israel, Palästina und dem arabischen Raum sind in München dabei. In Sachen Ukraine ist die Lage an der diplomatischen Front noch düsterer. Zwar reist Wolodymyr Selenskyj zur Siko an. Doch Vertreter Russlands sind – ebenso wie die des Iran – nicht willkommen. Für konstruktive Gespräche mit beiden Regierungen gibt es laut Heusgen derzeit keine Grundlage.
Siko startet in München: Selenskyj ist dabei – Biden schickt 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.
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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