Russian, Austrian FMs discuss arrest of ex-colonel

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW

Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl on Saturday called her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to discuss the arrest of a former Austria colonel on charges of spying for Russia.

According to a statement by Russian Foreign Ministry, Kneissl explained the motives of her government behind the arrest of the suspect.

On Friday, Austrian authorities announced the arrest of a former military intelligence colonel who allegedly transferred to Russia information on migration crisis, Austrian military aviation and artillery systems.

Lavrov said the practice of accusing Russia publicly is “unacceptable” and contrary to the norms of international diplomatic practice.