The Russian embassy made a disturbing post about the atrocities in Bucha. In “Today” VP Foreign Minister Schallenberg speaks plain language.
Russia’s ambassador to Austria, Dmitrij Ljubinskij, caused horror several times over the weekend. First, he told the magazine “profil” that the Ukrainians themselves blew up hospitals. A day later, the diplomat tweeted that photos of civilians killed in Bucha were “an act of the Kiev regime”. In the behind-the-scenes conversation (complete at the beginning of the article) on “Today”, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (VP) now speaks.
“A mockery of the victims”
Of the “profile” interview, which was riddled with untruths, he said, shaking his head: “I know many of the people involved on the Russian side. They are professionals themselves, shivers run down your spine.”
Schallenberg called the message’s tweet “a mockery of the victims”. The diplomat continues: “It also shows that they have no other line of argument than to try to sweep everything off the table. They will not succeed. The crimes will come to light and those responsible will be held accountable and pulled.”
On a possible expulsion of the Austrian ambassador, Schallenberg says: “I don’t rule out anything, of course. It’s a possibility that I have as Foreign Minister and I reserve the right to do so.”
In any case, Schallenberg had already summoned Ambassador Ljubinsky.
Video: Schallenberg to the ambassador
“Support neighboring regions”
Does he expect peace or a new escalation in Ukraine? “Unfortunately, we’ve learned since February 24 that we should expect the worst,” says Schallenberg sadly, but adds: “The aim of our work is that the weapons are silenced quickly and that we can support and stabilize neighboring regions.” “I don’t see how Putin could be rehabilitated on the international stage”, emphasizes the minister. as always.”
“Accountable to those responsible”
“No one should be above international law”, he emphasizes. And: “I demand that war crimes, of which there is overwhelming evidence, be investigated. We must not miss the opportunity to bring the facts to the table. If war crimes have been committed, they must be punished and those responsible must be held accountable.” to be pulled.”
He finds drastic words for Vladimir Putin: “Putin has trampled on international law and thrown it out the window. He can no longer be part of the international consensus. He has clearly denied it and taken the wrong side.”
Schallenberg: “Putin has trodden international law.” Helmut Graf
“More Sanctions”
Schallenberg announces “another sanctions package”, “where other people and companies will be subject to sanctions. The Richter scale is open to the top”. Goal? “What we are doing is imposing brutal economic sanctions on Russia to stop funding the military machine and give Russians the feeling that something is very wrong in their state.”
“Let’s show solidarity”
Schallenberg emphatically denies that Austria is no longer a neutral country, but admits: “With our accession to the EU, we have certainly made a new definition, but the core of neutrality has not been affected.” Called? “Let us not join any military alliance and have no foreign bases in Austria. Our own military operations will always be an Austrian decision. However, we will show solidarity within the framework of the European Union, which is also anchored in constitutional law.”
“I never wanted to be chancellor.”
Foreign Minister Schallenberg in conversation with the head of Heute.at, Clemens Oistric-Helmut Graf
And how does Schallenberg look back on his brief tenure as federal chancellor? “In any case, with humility. I never expected or wanted to become chancellor, but in politics sometimes you have to position yourself as part of a team.” successes? “We managed to prevent the government ship from capsizing. The Austrians expected that.”
Sobotka “absolutely” wearable
He succinctly responded to two domestic policy questions. Will the coalition last until 2024? “Yea.” I: Is your fellow VP still acceptable as Chair of the National Council and Chair of the U-Committee? Schallenberg: “Absolutely.”
Navigation account coi Time04.04.2022, 17:09| Act: 04/04/2022, 17:09