Austria well-placed to mediate in Russia-Ukraine conflict

Ukraine crisis

VIENNA - Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann said Thursday that his country is well-placed to act as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

"Austria is recognized as a neutral country, we are listened to. We must use this to work toward a peaceful resolution," Faymann told the APA news agency.

His comments came ahead of his participation in an Asia-Europe Meeting summit in Milan, Italy, where he is to meet both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

The chancellor said he would do everything possible to support stable and sustainable talks between the two countries. Having met Poroshenko in Kiev earlier in October, he said the Friday meeting will be "another opportunity to deepen the discussions."

He said Austria is currently most concerned about effective monitoring of a cease-fire in Ukraine.

Faymann also expressed his support for the efforts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.