Israel Criticizes EU’s Decision to Lift Sanctions Against Austria
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VIENNA — The European Union’s decision to end sanctions against Austria drew quick criticism from Israel, with Prime Minister Ehud Barak saying they should have continued so long as a party with “neo-fascist characteristics” remains in government.
The Israeli premier’s comment came hours after Austria’s 14 EU partners on Tuesday lifted sanctions they had imposed seven months ago, when the far-right Freedom Party was brought into a coalition government. An inquiry concluded that the sanctions had been counterproductive and had stirred up nationalism in Austria.
Israel, which withdrew its ambassador in response to the Freedom Party’s entry into the government, said it had no plans to send its envoy back to Austria.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres said Wednesday that he expected Austria “to go further than just to greet the decision of the European community, so I don’t think Israel will” return its ambassador.
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