Of . – 08/04/2022 20:11 (act 08/04/2022 20:12)
Vienna councilor Hanke criticizes the expulsion of Russian diplomats. ©APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER
Vienna’s financial and economic adviser Peter Hanke (SPÖ) criticized the expulsion of Russian diplomats on Friday.
Austria “is currently not living up to the role of mediator, with which it has earned an international name in the past,” Hanke said in an interview with “Kurier” (Saturday edition). When it comes to measures like the expulsion of diplomats, Austria must “be very careful,” Hanke said.
Criticism of the expulsion of Russian diplomats
“Over the decades, we have developed a bridging function to Eastern Europe, which we must use to create peace. Diplomatic relations must not be damaged too quickly,” Hanke said. Maintaining neutrality is “essential”. In the current conflict, Vienna must “be even more involved as a center of peace”.
Vienna councilor Hanke criticizes ÖVP
The federal political upheavals of recent years are to blame, said Hanke of the ÖVP’s board: “Politics at the federal level has been characterized by permanent changes in recent years.” This ensured “that Austria suffered internationally in its reputation”. Now, in a crisis, “so we’re not able to show strength,” says Hanke.
Austria expels four Russian diplomats
Austria acceded to the sanctions of several European countries on Thursday and declared four diplomats as undesirables who must leave Austria by April 12 at the latest. People took actions inconsistent with the Vienna Convention, he said, alluding to secret service activities.