own fate and to improve their chances for a better life. These are legitimate demands. An overwhelming number of young people were at the forefront of this enormous tide, which started in Tunisia and Egypt. We should pay tribute to their courage. In Libya, thousands lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and democracy. In Syria, and to some extent in Yemen, the suppression is ongoing. Austria strongly condemns the systematic human rights violations and the violence against peaceful demonstrators. We strongly urge those responsible to immediately stop the bloodshed and to engage in meaningful dialogue and reforms. Austria supports the Libyan people in its struggle for freedom. Over € 150 million blocked in Austrian bank accounts has been de-frozen for humanitarian use. Both the Austrian Government