Austria is a loyal member of the European Union and sticks to the regime of sanctions, but implementation of the Minsk Agreements may lead to their cancelation, Austrian President Heinz Fischer said Wednesday at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Of course, those who are interested in the development of good economic relations between Europe and Russia are not contented with the existence of sanctions and would like to lift them,” Fischer said.
“But I would like to note that Austria is a loyal member of the EU and, as a loyal EU member, which it would like to remain, should adhere to decisions adopted regarding Russia,” he said.
“But the key toward the resolution of problems is the Minsk process and there are certain opportunities here for resolution of those issues,” Fischer said.
The president of Austria underscored that implementation of the Minsk Agreements is closely connected with cancelation of sanctions. He said he is ready to discuss with Putin both bilateral relations, including in the economic sphere, and international relations, including the situation in Syria.