Austrian Chancellor Stands for the Dialogue with Moscow

Vienna wants to continue dialogue with Russia but believes espionage to be unacceptable, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Wednesday, November 14. “If espionage activities are taking place on our territory, regardless of what country is involved, we consider it to be unacceptable and will combat it”, Kurz said during press-conference in Vienna. At the same time, he expressed conviction that in the long run “it is possible to ensure lasting peace on the continent only in cooperation with Russia and not in confrontation with it”. Kurz also noted that Austrian government was right to inform the public about retired army colonel espionage activities on behalf of Russia. According to Kurz, although the allegations have not been proved yet and there is no court decision, the Austrian government made a statement based on the evidence it had, which the judicial bodies will now have to study. "In my opinion, it was right to inform the public about it and tell Russia that we do not accept it [espionage activities]," Kurz said. On November 9, a spy scandal broke out in Austria. Austria's Ministry of Defense Spokesman Michael Bauer had opened an investigation into a retired colonel of the Austrian army. Source: iz.ru