The main task of the experts is to support the employees of the Austrian embassy in dealing with the crisis.
Due to the dramatically escalating situation in eastern Ukraine, Austria is sending a crisis team to the country. The group consists of seven experienced employees from the foreign, interior and defense ministries, according to a broadcast by the Federal Chancellery on Sunday. The team, which also includes specialists from the Cobra task force, was on its way to Kiev early on Sunday morning.
The main task of the experts is to support the employees of the Austrian Embassy in crisis management. The focus should be on logistics and ensuring communication channels and improving the situation picture, the statement said. In addition, Austrians abroad and Austrian travelers should be helped when leaving the Ukraine.
The Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning for Ukraine on Saturday. Exceptions exist for the western regions of Lemberg, Transcarpathia, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi.
“The situation is serious, the situation can continue to escalate at any time. I renew my appeal to the Russian government to use all its possibilities to stop the spiral of violence and end the hostilities,” said Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP). According to Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, the situation – especially in eastern Ukraine – is on the razor’s edge: “In the event of an escalation, the situation can change rapidly, including in other parts of the country.” He again called on all Austrians in Ukraine to leave the country. It can be assumed that the opportunities to leave the country will decrease in the coming days.
“The situation in eastern Ukraine has deteriorated significantly in the last few days and hours,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP). The cooperation of the experts of the crisis team has been tried and tested many times and has proven itself, said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP): “Thanks to the multi-professional composition of this team of experts, the Austrians on site can be supported efficiently and quickly.”
(WHAT)