Austrian Vice Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner canceled his visit to Israel, which was scheduled today, due to scheduling conflicts.

Mitterlehner, who also serves as Austria’s science minister, was set to sign two memoranda of understanding on scientific cooperation between Israel and Austria with Israel’s Science, Technology and Space Minister Ofir Akunis.

The cancellation of the visit was due to the rejection of Mitterlehner to sign scientific cooperation agreement with his Israeli counterpart.

Austria does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over Al Quds (occupied East Jerusalem), which Israel captured during the 1967 war and annexed in 1980.

The EU considers settlements built on territories occupied by Israel in 1967 to be illegal under international law.
Source: AFP