Israel said on Monday that it was studying an EU report recommending the lifting of sanctions against Austria imposed seven months ago after the far-right Freedom Party joined the government.
"We have been following the developments in Europe but we are now studying the conclusion of the three wise men," foreign ministry spokesman Aviv Shiron said, referring to the EU panel's report released Friday.
"So far our position is not changed," Shiron told reporters.
The EU panel of experts, known as the three wise men, said the diplomatic sanctions against Austria were counter-productive and could provoke a nationalist backlash in Austria.
Israel recalled its ambassador from Vienna for an indefinite period in February, condemning the presence of "neo-Nazi elements" in the Austrian government in a reference to the Freedom Party.
Asked if the ambassador could return to Austria, Shiron said: "We will see but so far we didn't change our position. We have our policy and the Europeans have their policy." - JERUSALEM (AFP)
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