Jeorg Haider, "Fed up" with apologising for Nazism
The United States has again warned Austria of the possible consequences of allowing a far right political party to form part of a coalition government. Washington said it would take a hard look at relations with Austria if the Freedom Party is accepted into government. Germany said such a coalition would fuel extreme nationalism elsewhere. Canada said it would take concrete measures if it felt human rights in Austria were threatened. The Austrian President, Thomas Klestil, is considering approving a coalition agreement reached yesterday between the People's Party leader Wolfgang Schuessel and the Freedom Party, but will not make a final decision until tomorrow.
The leader of the controversial Freedom Party, Joerg Haider, has said that he is fed up with apologising for his country's role in the crimes of Nazism. Mr Haider, who made his latest comments in an interview with a German weekly publication, said that the EU's stance was a "disgrace". The European Union is considering imposing diplomatic sanctions against Austria, if it proceeds with the formation of such a coalition government.
