2023-06-28 18:49:11
Shortly before the “Wiener Zeitung” was published, three diplomats commented on quality journalism and Austria’s foreign policy in a joint interview with the newspaper (Thursday edition). “I am extremely sorry that the ‘Wiener Zeitung’, probably the oldest still existing daily newspaper in the world, will no longer exist in its previous form,” said the head of the EU Commission representation in Vienna, Martin Selmayr.
US Ambassador Victoria Reggie Kennedy emphasized: “We need quality journalism. Journalists play a central role in the fight against disinformation”. “That’s right,” added Britain’s Ambassador Lindsay Skoll. “Governments or diplomats can talk their mouths off day and night about the problem of disinformation from Russian troll factories, but independent journalism is the most effective antiserum against it.”
When asked about their expectations of Austria, the diplomats addressed neutrality and relations with Moscow. “I think it was really important that the official voices of Austria made it clear that neutrality does not mean indifference,” Kennedy said. Skoll emphasized: “For decades Austria has prided itself on being a bridge between East and West, for which you needed good relations with Moscow.” But now there is war in Europe, “and we can no longer go back to the status quo ante. That requires a painful intellectual, emotional and also economic rethinking.”
“It’s never a good idea to dance with Putin,” Selmayr explained. “And as for our dealings with (Russian President Vladimir, ed.) Putin: In retrospect, we’re all wiser.” The EU representative also stressed that Austria had declared its military neutrality but was not morally neutral. Austria is an important player in the field of humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
“It took a while before Austria was involved in humanitarian demining – but that’s how it is now, and that’s important because Austria has valuable expertise in this field,” said Selmayr. Another important point is the question of how Austria will free itself from dependence on Russian gas. “Because one thing is clear: whenever Austria obtains gas from Russia, Austrian money migrates to Russian accounts, and Russia uses this money to finance its murderous war against Ukraine. A peace-loving country like neutral Austria in particular must do everything possible to prevent such flows of money to stop.”
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