Austrian chancellor calls for "clear language" from Germany over refugee crisis

Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann has urged his German counterpart Angela Merkel to use "clear language" in dealing with the refugee crisis, in comments to the media following cabinet on Tuesday.

Joined by Vice-Chancellor Reinhold Mittelehner, Faymann also called on Germany to support the closing of the Balkan migration route.

He also expected clarification from the neighbouring country on the stance that "one cannot choose where one goes to," where the refugees are concerned, and stressed that Austria does not want to risk yet again becoming the "waiting room" for refugees wishing to travel onward to Germany.

He said he expects the European Council meeting on Thursday and Friday to spell an end to the politics of "waving through" refugees. He added that while he would welcome an agreement with Turkey concerning better border management, he also did not want to make any concessions regarding a visa-free travel or as pertains to EU accession negotiations.

Mitterlehner meanwhile said the Balkans route must remain closed, and noted Germany's key role in the crisis.

He said a solution must be prepared now, ahead of a stronger influx of refugees to come in the summer when this would become "impossible. Endit