Austrian and Serbian presidents on sanctions against Russia

Austrian and Serbian presidents on sanctions against Russia

VIENNA -- Serbian and Austrian president Heinz Fischer and Tomislav Nikolić warned on Thursday about the consequences of introducing sanctions against Russia.

A statement issued in Vienna by the office of the Austrian president said that the two leaders told a joint news conference that "sanctions are a sharp instrument that must be handled very carefully, and that must first be well considered."

Fischer, whose country is a member of the European Union, was also quoted as saying that "introducing certain sanctions is, unfortunately, easier than lifting them later," and adding:

"In that sense, the long-term perspective must remain for different nations in Europe and on the borders toward Europe, to, peacefully and with mutual trust, live together and cooperate economically with as few obstacles and possible."

"Tomislav Nikolić, whose country, as a consequence of the Balkan conflicts, had sad experiences with Western sanctions, also said that 'great caution must be shown there'," the statement said.

The release noted that "Serbia did not join the EU and U.S. sanctions against Moscow, which is Belgrade's most important ally in the fight against Kosovo's independence," and added:

"On the subjects of comparisons between Kosovo's secession and that of Crimea, President Nikolić said that 'international law cannot be determined on a case by case basis, but rather, rules are need - but rules are not always there'."

"Wait for them to reconcile"

In its report from Vienna, Tanjug quoted Nikolić as saying that after Serbia gets a new government "it will meet its obligations along the EU path more quickly."...