Commenting on the issue of Crimea rejoining Russia, Bellen mentioned that the situation with the peninsula is more complicated that it seems. He also added that he would not want to see the behavior of the United States in a similar situation.
"The history of the Crimea is not as simple as it may seem. I could read you a long lecture about why Russia acted this way in the situation in the Black Sea. I also would not want to know how the United States would behave in a similar situation," the politician stated.
Commenting on the recent visit of the Austrian President's delegation to Russia, Bellen said that if he was in the President's place he might have done the same.
"At the moment, I find it difficult to answer, whether I would have gone to Moscow now or postponed the visit. If you ask me, if I would go for it, in general, then my answer is yes," the politician said in an interview with ORF.
The Austrian delegation's visit to Russia, which included country's leading economists has been criticized by a number of oppositional parties. Representatives of the opposition claimed that the current government has discredited itself, putting the economy above political dialogue and international law.
"I would also include economists in the delegation. In addition, I would have taken […] scholars engaged in scientific and research activities, as well as representatives of culture and art. In my opinion, the economy, culture and science are a perfect mixture to form Austria's image in the world community," the politician stressed.
