Austrian chancellor offers UN "full support" for Syrian peace negotiations

VIENNA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Tuesday offered his country's full support to the United Nations (UN) as part of its efforts toward peace negotiations on the Syrian conflict.

In a statement provided to the APA, Kurz said he had spoken to UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura about Austria's willingness to play the role of a mediator.

"I spoke about possible confidence-building measures and first steps towards a peaceful solution to the Syria conflict," he said.

The chancellor argued that "everything must be done to prevent a further escalation," in the heated issue.

There cannot be a military solution to the conflict, the chancellor further stated.

Austria has a long tradition of being a place where dialogue can be held and also of being a "bridge-builder," the chancellor said. Enditem