Veiled threat to block EU decisions by Freedom Party
Saturday, 5 February 2000 18:46
Joerg Haider, the leader of Austria's far-right Freedom Party, has issued a thinly veiled threat to block EU decisions if union members maintain sanctions on Vienna because of his group's inclusion in government. However, a spokesman for Austria's new Foreign Minister insisted that Vienna had no plans to use its veto powers in response to sanctions. France has said the European Union will watch Austria's every move now that the Freedom Party has entered a Coalition Government. EU members states have already decided to impose sanctions on Austria including a freeze on political contacts with Vienna, refusal to back Austrians for postings in international bodies and a downgrading of contacts with ambassadors in EU capitals. Israel has withdrawn its ambassador to Vienna and the United States has called its envoy home for temporary consultations.
More than fifty people were injured in overnight riots in Vienna following the inclusion of the Freedom Party in Austria's new Government. Austrian Radio said 43 police officers and 13 demonstrators were injured in clashes. Seven people were arrested. Demonstrators threw smoke bombs and stones at police who responded with water cannon and teargas.
Austria's Chancellor, Wolfgang Schuessel, has begun a campaign to try to limit the damage caused by the inclusion of the Freedom Party in the new coalition. Mr Schuessel said Austria was no pariah state and that a new Hitler was not on the rise to power in his country. He also said he would strive for normal relations with other EU member states.
