A joint declaration made by Austrian authors in the wake of the terror attacks in Paris.
The attacks in Paris impact us all. Europe must not allow itself to be divided in the face of terror. Europe must not return to the days of nationalism and dictatorships. Fundamental European values such as freedom, respect for life and for one another, and willingness to offer humanitarian support to those in need of protection are more vital than ever.
Erecting barriers along borders with the aim of creating symbolic and physical isolation is not the right course of action. The fence being built in Spielfeld along the southern Austrian border is not the right approach. Right now, peace and mutual understanding in Europe are of the utmost importance. Our right to equality and equal treatment were fought for and won over hundreds of years.
Freedom of expression, artistic freedom, freedom of science and freedom of religion are rights of immeasurable value. Only if and when Europe abandons its fundamental values will the terrorists and their backers have achieved their aims.
Signed by:
Gerhard Ruiss
Olga Flor
Claudia Rossbacher
Alois Hotschnig
Elfriede Jelinek
Alfred Komarek
Sabine Scholl
Franzobel
Martin Amanshauser
Ferdinand Schmatz
Lukas Resetarits
Gustav Ernst
Erika Pluhar
Händl Klaus
Eva Rossmann
Doron Rabinovici
Stefan Slupetzky
Karl Markovics
Renate Welsh-Rabady
Franz Josef Czernin
Marie-Thérèse Kerschbaumer
Erwin Einzinger
Antonio Fian
Helene Maimann
Josef Haslinger
Peter Waterhouse
Sabine Gruber
Peter Henisch
Eva Schobel
Vladimir Vertlib