Austria is ready to become a mediator to settle disagreements between the UK and Russia over the Sergei Skripal case. This was announced by Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, quoted by TASS.

"We are open to everyone, and if we are to ask for mediation efforts (between Russia and the UK), we are happy and ready for that," said Kneissl, in front of the Austrian TV channel OER Ef 2.

She noted that on 30 June, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz will meet British Prime Minister Theresa May in London. According to Kneissl, this is one of the ways to maintain channels of high-level dialogue. As of July 1, Austria takes over the EU Presidency from Bulgaria.

Explaining why Austria has not expelled Russian diplomats in response to Britain's call after the poisoning of former Russian agent Sergei Scripal there, Kneissl said the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which is one of the main points for discussing the issues between the East and the West is based in Vienna. Austria is the only country in the EU that has not taken any action against Russia after the UK's call for European solidarity in the Scripal case.