Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question in connection with remarks by Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Alexander Schallenberg
23 May 2023 09:56
988-23-05-2023
Question: On May 22, German newspaper Die Welt published an interview with the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, in which he made a series of remarks, in particular to the effect that Vienna maintained unofficial communication channels with Russia, and that he as head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry would be reluctant to shake hands with Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov were they to meet in person. What can you say about these remarks by the Austrian diplomat?
Maria Zakharova: We were surprised to learn that Vienna maintains informal communication channels with the Russian authorities. We are not aware of that.
In addition, there would be nothing to discuss with Vienna if such a dialogue ever took place. Austria has sided with the West in its hostile policy towards Russia and lost its independent role in international affairs as it shed the principles of neutrality.
Clearly, what stands behind these remarks by Minister Schallenberg is the desire to justify his actions and leave room for another manoeuvre amid a volatile international situation.
With regard to his inner turmoil concerning his ever having to shake hands with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a hypothetic personal meeting, we are here to reassure Minister Schallenberg that no one is looking to shake his hand.
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