HOUSE MEMBERS INTRODUCE RESOLUTION OPPOSING PARTICIPATION OF JOERG HAIDER AND HIS PARTY IN AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT SCHAKOWSKY IS ORIGINAL COSPONSOR OF RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY LANTOS
HOUSE MEMBERS INTRODUCE RESOLUTION OPPOSING PARTICIPATION OF JOERG HAIDER AND HIS PARTY IN AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENTSCHAKOWSKY IS ORIGINAL COSPONSOR OF RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY LANTOS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today joined other members of Congress in introducing a Resolution which expresses the opposition of the House of Representatives to the participation of Joerg Haider's party, FPO, in the newly formed Austrian government. Representative Tom Lantos (D-CA) is the chief sponsor of the Resolution.
"What this resolution says is that there is zero tolerance for anti-Semitism. There is no room in international civil debate for a person like Joerg Haider who expresses support for Hitler's 'sound employment policies'," Schakowsky said.
In addition to expressing the opposition of the House to the participation of Haider's party in the Austrian government, the Resolution "condemns the insulting, racist, and xenophobic statements which have been made over many years by Joerg Haider, the leader of the FPO, and by other leaders of the party." The Resolution also "expresses profound regret and dismay that the FPO under the leadership of Joerg Haider will play a major role in the new government of Austria."
Furthermore, the Resolution commends the fourteen other member states of the European Union, Canada, Norway, and other countries for expressing concern about the recent developments in Austria. Moreover, the Resolution calls on the President, his cabinet, and other members of Congress to strongly oppose the inclusion Haider's party in the Austrian government. Finally, American citizens are encouraged to send a message by refusing to travel to Austria, or purchasing Austrian products.