Austrian business leader: Sanctions against Russia could backfire

President of the Austrian Economic Chambers Christoph Leitl has joined other Austrian business leaders in opposing sanctions against Russia, saying such measures would also harm those who impose them. Leitl told the Austria Press Agency in an interview Friday that the economy should not be misused in continuing the conflict, but should rather be used as a form of connection. He said where sanctions are imposed, one also removes oneself from the market in that country, adding that other countries could fill the void left by departing Austrian companies and business interests. Such actions would not be wise, he said. He warned against thinking in terms of conflict, as "that was the dimension of the Cold War." Nobody would wish that would return, he continued.