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If Moscow does not respond properly, Russia faces sanctions, according to the Austrian foreign minister. However, we must wait for evidence.
In the case of the poison attack on Russian opposition activist Alexej Navalny, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) does not rule out sanctions against Russia unless Moscow reacts appropriately. In an interview with the German “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”(Saturday edition) said “all measures are possible.” However, we have to wait for evidence to be able to express it.
“The image that is currently emerging that a military chemical weapon is spreading again indicates that government agencies were involved in some way. That is definitely scary,” Schallenberg said.
According to him, the events “should not only be strongly condemned, but also shed a terrifying light on Russia.” The Austrian foreign minister stated that Moscow now had to create clarity, “in its own interest, that is, regarding relations with the European Union and its partner states.”
Schallenberg does not want to shake up the “Nord Stream 2” gas pipeline project
The minister emphasized that there is a sanctions regime in the EU against the spread of chemical weapons.
“Depending on the results of the investigations, we reserve the right to impose sanctions.”
These, however, “cannot simply be said without proof. It is necessary to know who is responsible.” Schallenberg wants to speak out loud about the “Nord Stream 2” gas pipeline project, in which the Austrian OMV also participates “DOES”but don’t shake it.
Nord Stream 1 is owned and operated by Nord Stream AG, whose shares are owned by Gazprom (51%), Wintershall, E.ON, Gasunie and Engie.[3] Nord Stream 2 is owned by Nord Stream 2 AG, which is wholly owned by Russian group Gazprom.[4]
“Without a doubt there will be a discussion” about it, but you have to “be careful not to group everything together,” said the foreign minister. He noted that a distinction had also been made regarding Crimea and eastern Ukraine: there were economic and personal sanctions, but the gas project was continuing.
Basically, the following applies to the Russian policy of Austria:
“When the limits that are not negotiable for us are exceeded, we draw a very clear line.”
But Austria, like Germany, has always taken the position of seeking a dialogue based on clear values, the chancellor said aloud. “DOES”.
“Russia is our neighbor and geography cannot be changed.”
