Germany holds its Easter peace marches against the backdrop of Ukraine and Gaza

Around 70 events were planned this Saturday in Germany on the occasion of the traditional pacifist marches of Easterthis year with the wars of Ukraine It is middle East as a backdrop, while politicians warn that just asking for peace doesn’t get the job done.

In Berlinthe march began at 1 pm (12 pm GMT) and brought together around 3,500 protesters, according to police, and there were demands such as a ceasefire and peace negotiations in Ukraine and the Gaza stripthe end of the supply of weapons and the end of the debate on the reintroduction of military service, as reported by the regional public broadcaster rbb.

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A march of Easter alternative, called for the third consecutive year by the Ukrainian organization “Vitsche”, with its final destination in front of the Chancellery, warned against “false pacifism”and these claims“that do not lead to peace, but encourage the aggressor”.

Hente holds a sign that says “Diplomats instead of grenades” as he takes part in the Easter March peace demonstration along Karl-Marx Avenue in Berlin, March 30, 2024. (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP) (JOHN MACDOUGALL /)

“On the contrary, we demand empathy, understanding and support in self-defense against Russian terror. Only with justice and freedom can true peace be achieved“, said “Vitsche” in his conference call, which was attended by around 250 people.

He added that demands for a ceasefire or war freeze cause delays in aid to Ukraine, “with dire consequences”Like the daily deaths of Ukrainians, massive environmental disasters, and new Russian violations of international law.

“A ceasefire will not end or mitigate this war, on the contrary, it will allow Russia strengthen your defenses and increase your weapons reserves to attack Ukraine or even other countries with renewed force“, he warned.

Meanwhile, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholzcalled the Germans this Saturday in a video message on the occasion of the Holy Week continue to support Ukraine in its fight for a just peace, invest in its own security and maintain unity.

“Peace without freedom means oppression. There is no peace without justice. That is why we support Ukraine in its fight for a just peace, for as long as necessary. We also do this for ourselves, for our safety“, he said.

He also highlighted that after the terrible terrorist attack in Hamas against Israelwar is present in the Middle East, “with terrible consequences for so many innocent people“, and more than two years ago,”Ukrainians suffer under brutal Russian attack”.

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“We do not support Ukraine just out of solidarity or empathy, but in the interests of Germany It is Europe”, highlighted the vice-chancellor and minister of Economy and Climate, Roberto Habeckalso in video message.

“We long for peace. Yes. But the honest and bitter answer is: there probably won’t be a quick and good ending, even if we wish otherwise.“, he said, and in the face of Russian aggression, he stressed:”We have to adapt to the threatening situation. Anything else would be naive.”.

Habeck was also against “freeze the war”And he added that as much as he understands that this option is being discussed given the high number of victims”,This position ignores the fact that only Ukrainians can decide what price they are willing to pay and under what conditions they want to achieve a ceasefire or end the war.”.

Source: Elcomercio