Azadlig: Diplomatic row to ignite between Austria and Azerbaijan
Visit of Foreign Minister of Austria Sebastian Kurz in Azerbaijan is linked to a corruption scandal, in which Elman Rustamov the chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan was involved, a reliable source told the Azerbaijani newspaper "Azaglig".
On February 17, a trial began in Austria. Law enforcements in Austria accused of contracting companies of the Central Bank of Austria – “OeBS”, which was engaged in printing of banknotes and securities, and corrupt ties with the Central Bank of Azerbaijan and Syria.
As noted in the article, there is still a criminal case being investigated, and the Austrian court considers that it is necessary to interrogate also Rustamov. Originally it was planned to hold video questioning during the trial taken place on August 5th. However, this did not happen.
As the author notes, the Azerbaijani authorities are working seriously to save Rustamov, but Austria insists on questioning. "I cannot believe that the Azerbaijani authorities may make concessions on this issue. This means that a diplomatic row is possible between Azerbaijan and Austria," the newspaper reads.