In connection with the expulsion of four Austrian diplomats from the country, the Russian Foreign Ministry points out that the Alpine Republic had not previously fulfilled its obligations as a neutral state.
According to this, bilateral relations are in crisis due to the actions of the Austrian side. Because the Alpine Republic used to position itself as a neutral state representing a “platform for international diplomacy”. The expulsion of four Russian diplomats from Vienna has further damaged already badly damaged relations between the two countries.
Vienna does not fulfill obligations
The Russian side also drew the attention of the Austrian ambassador in Moscow, Werner Almhofer, to the difficulties faced by Russian delegates in issuing visas for travel to Vienna. From the Ministry’s point of view, this conflicts with Austria’s obligations as a venue for international meetings. There will be consequences for that too.
Embassy staff much thinner now
The expulsion of four diplomats, who must leave Russia on February 23, will in any case lead to a significant reduction in the number of embassy staff: According to a spokeswoman for the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 13 diplomats, six specialized departments and four administrative-technical personnel were most recently employed Embassy personnel. And the date was probably not chosen by chance either: February 23 is the Day of the Defender of the Fatherland in Russia, and February 24 is the first anniversary of the Russian offensive war.
In early February, Austria expelled four Russian diplomats. According to the State Department, they had “committed acts incompatible with their diplomatic status”. Russia had declared the measure “purely politically motivated” and announced countermeasures.
Source: Krone
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