  Markus Bernat: Austria-Azerbaijan collaboration is based on oil-and-gas factor solely June 25, 2010 - 20:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Opening of Austrian Embassy in Azerbaijan caused Austrian society's discontent. The author of a Der Standard-published article Markus Bernat asserts Austria-Azerbaijan collaboration is based on oil-and-gas factor solely. “By opening Baku representation, Austrian government aims to demonstrate its intention to support OMV oil concern in Nabucco project implementation,” the author notes. Markus Bernat also comments on the reasons behind Austria-Azerbaijan collaboration, focusing on dubious nature of the latter. “Baku, rich in oil and natural gas, is a key state in the context of gas transit from East to Europe, bypassing Russia’s control. This is the reason behind Vienna's political sacrifice.” Besides Austria's Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger, Economy Minister Reinhold Mitterlehner, 50 representatives of Austrian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, OMV wing participated in the embassy opening ceremony. “Spindelegger spoke about the need for reorientation in Austrian foreign policy in crisis circumstances, while closing consulates in Hamburg, Rio de Janeiro and Capetown,” the articles stressed. The author expressed perplexity over Vienna’s resolution to open representation in Baku, causing surprise in other South Caucasus states with its unbalanced approach.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity  The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization.Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia.Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |
