Austria has come under heavy criticism for granting visas that will allow sanctioned Russian lawmakers to attend a Vienna meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
The issue highlights the delicate balancing act the European country has engaged in while trying to maintain its longstanding position of military neutrality during the war in Ukraine. The Austrian government has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost a year ago but also stressed the need to maintain diplomatic relations with Moscow.
In a letter to Austria's chancellor, foreign minister and other officials, 81 OSCE delegates from 20 countries, including France, Canada, Britain, Poland and Ukraine, called upon the Austrian government to prohibit the participation of the sanctioned Russians. Austrian officials haven’t commented on the letter. On Feb. 5, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg defended Austria’s decision to allow the sanctioned Russians to enter the country, arguing it was important to keep channels of communication with Moscow open despite the “brutal Russian attack against Ukraine.”
The Austrian government has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine but no weapons. Chancellor Karl Nehammer became the first and so far only EU leader to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face after the war started. Nehammer traveled to Moscow in April 2022 in a fruitless attempt to persuade the Russian leader to end the invasion.
The Austrian banking system is also closely connected to Russia. Austria’s second-largest bank, the Raiffeisenbank International, earned more than half of its profits in 2022 from Russia. The bank has come under intense pressure for continuing its business in Russia despite Moscow’s war against Ukraine, and is currently evaluating strategic options, including an exit from Russia.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Neutral Austria under pressure to get tougher on RussiaAustria has come under heavy criticism for granting visas that will allow sanctioned Russian lawmakers to attend a Vienna meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Read more »
Thinking about ordering dining chairs from Amazon? These ones don’t disappointAffordable, durable and neutral seats that’ll suit most spaces
Read more »
Thinking about ordering dining chairs from Amazon? These ones don’t disappointAffordable, durable and neutral seats that’ll suit most spaces
Read more »
Thinking about ordering dining chairs from Amazon? These ones don’t disappointAffordable, durable and neutral seats that’ll suit most spaces
Read more »
Thinking about ordering dining chairs from Amazon? These ones don’t disappointAffordable, durable and neutral seats that’ll suit most spaces
Read more »
Thinking about ordering dining chairs from Amazon? These ones don’t disappointAffordable, durable and neutral seats that’ll suit most spaces
Read more »