Austria backs EU negotiator for Russia talks while urging tougher sanctions

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said that the possible appointment of a special European Union negotiator for contacts with Russia would not signal any easing of pressure on Moscow.

Speaking ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus, Meinl-Reisinger stressed that the European Union must be prepared to defend its own interests in any potential negotiations with Russia, European Pravda reports.

The Austrian minister said Vienna supports the idea of appointing a chief EU negotiator in order to ensure that European interests are properly represented in the dialogue process.

She also noted that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had positively assessed the proposal and considered it in line with Kyiv’s expectations.

At the same time, Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that diplomatic engagement must not come at the expense of sanctions pressure on Russia.

“It is very important to continue pressure through sanctions and advance work on the 21st sanctions package. This will be a truly tough package, because sanctions are having an effect and remain an important lever of influence,” she said.

By Vafa Guliyeva