Austria plans poll on EU sanctions

The new Austrian Government will consult the people

By Claire Doole in Geneva

The Austrian Government has announced it will consult the people about the political sanctions imposed by European Union countries.

The call for a public consultation on EU sanctions underlines Austria's increasing frustration at its political isolation.

Since EU countries cut bilateral ties in February in protest at the inclusion of the far-right Freedom Party in the governing coalition, Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel has been pressing for them to be restored.

Mr Schuessel wants EU ties restored

But his pleas to be allowed back into the EU fold have been ignored. The EU has made it clear the Freedom Party has to leave power before this can happen.

The resignation of its leader Joerg Haider earlier in the week failed to impress EU countries, who stress their concern is about the party's commitment to human rights and democracy.

Ironically, it was Joerg Haider who first raised the idea of a public consultation - a call picked up by his successor, Susanne Reiss-Passer.

Unless the current EU presidency, Portugal, comes up with a plan to restore normal relations with Austria, a public opinion poll will be held in the autumn.

Unprecedented move

It's an unprecedented move at national level and observers say it could be the first step to holding a formal referendum.

Austria wants to discuss the sanctions at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers this weekend.

Vienna hopes for progress on the issue, as it is highly unlikely lifting sanctions will be a priority when France, a vociferous critic of the new government, takes over the EU presidency in July.