Linhart of Blinken: Greater Western Presence Needed in Western Balkans

So stated Austrian APA news agency Minister Linhart after a telephone conversation with his American colleague.

He stressed that the Western Balkans' approach to the EU was the subject of the conversation, in which Blinken welcomed Austria's strongest commitment to the region.

The “is in our common interest for the EU and the United States to be present in the region and to act co-ordinated”, Linhart said.

Blinken also thanked Austria for organising the latest conference for Belarus's future, and the two ministers estimated that we should not give up to blackmailing Alexander Lucas' regime.

Blinken also thanked Austria for hosting talks on Iran's nuclear programme.

Linhart stressed that, after a several-month pause, we should enter with realistic expectations. Quick progress, he says, cannot be expected.

It is clear, however, that further development of Iran's nuclear programme, contrary to the agreement, is a cause for concern, so an agreement should be reached as soon as possible. If this doesn't work, then reality can threaten the deal,” Linhart warned.