ZAGREB AUTUMN FAIR ZAGREB, Sept 12 (Hina) - Joerg Haider, former leader of Austria's far-right Freedom Party, said on Monday tensions between the European Union and Austria were gradually lessening and expressed hope sanctions imposed
on Austria would soon be lifted and relations normalised. The EU's decision to isolate Austria came after the Freedom Party joined Austria's new coalition government. "Tensions in the EU are currently decreasing following a report by the three 'wise men' in which they suggest that the EU immediately lift sanctions off Austria because the country was subject to unjust criticisms. Austria's government performs its job very well and there is no reason for sanctions any longer. I hope the relations will normalise in the next several days and weeks," Haider told reporters in Zagreb, where he attended the opening of the Zagreb Autumn Fair. According to Haider, Austria's example shows that a small country can defe
ZAGREB, Sept 12 (Hina) - Joerg Haider, former leader of Austria's
far-right Freedom Party, said on Monday tensions between the
European Union and Austria were gradually lessening and expressed
hope sanctions imposed on Austria would soon be lifted and
relations normalised.
The EU's decision to isolate Austria came after the Freedom Party
joined Austria's new coalition government.
"Tensions in the EU are currently decreasing following a report by
the three 'wise men' in which they suggest that the EU immediately
lift sanctions off Austria because the country was subject to
unjust criticisms. Austria's government performs its job very well
and there is no reason for sanctions any longer. I hope the
relations will normalise in the next several days and weeks,"
Haider told reporters in Zagreb, where he attended the opening of
the Zagreb Autumn Fair.
According to Haider, Austria's example shows that a small country
can defend itself and not allow others to shape its future.
Haider, who is the governor of Austria's province of Carinthia,
yesterday opened the Carinthian pavilion at the fair.
Asked to comment on Croatia's aspirations toward joining the EU,
Haider said that "Austria has always wanted Croatia to be included
in the narrower circle of EU membership candidates, because we
believe that Croatia is an integral part of Central Europe."
Austria has always been important for Croatia and the two countries
have always had strong friendly ties, he added.
Speaking about his visit to Croatia, Haider said he had visited
Croatia several times, both as tourist and politician. He said in
the 90's he had participated in humanitarian activities for Croatia
during which he used to meet Croatia's incumbent president Stipe
Mesic.
(hina) rml