Austrian pragmatism is stronger than British cunning

Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl accused the British ambassador in Austria of pressure on the government in connection with the so-called "Skripal case". According to her, London seeks to force Vienna to expel Russian diplomats to punish Moscow for poisoning a former GRU officer, recruited by British security services.

"The Austrian authorities decided not to expel Russian diplomats. This decision is not subject to revision. This is a principled position of the government, since we consider the expulsion of diplomats an unacceptable method of resolving crises. Moreover, diplomatic channels should always remain open at critical moments. Vienna ready to mediate the settlement of relations between Moscow and London", Kneissl stressed.

The Austria's position can not but cause respect, especially in the present conditions, when the United States and Great Britain impose their will on virtually all European countries. Vienna not only realize the full danger of the British adventure with the expulsion of Russian diplomats, but brave enough to resist this.

Moreover, Vienna just does not want to be in one row with evil Rusophobes, because they grossly flout international law. After all, the British authorities did not provided irrefutable proof of the Kremlin's guilt in poisoning Skripal and his daughter. Consequently, Theresa May and her entourage appealed not just by speculation, but by outright lies, initiating a new round of "anti-Russian hysteria" with the expulsion of diplomats.

Finally, another seven European countries refused to expel Russian diplomats. In many ways, this sad fact has become a humiliating slap in the face not only for Britain, but also for the United States. Probably very soon insidiousness and lies will give way to pragmatism and common sense in international relations.