VIENNA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Brexit negotiations that commenced on Monday between the European Union and Britain are going to be "very difficult", particularly in the finance sector, Austrian foreign minister Sebastian Kurz said.
Speaking on the Oe1 Morgenjournal radio program, Sebastian Kurz, also leader of the center-right People's Party, said talks over "costs and the budget" will in particular prove challenging.
This is due in part to London having outstanding debts owed to its partners within the EU -- obligations Kurz said he expected will be honored.
The minister also spoke out against the notion that London should be "punished".
"We have nothing to gain from a relationship that is in the end completely broken," he said.
Further, he said he does not believe "an example has to be made", and that one must bear in mind that Britain will "remain our neighbors".
Kurz, expected to lead his party into the next Austrian federal election in October, noted however that there could be no cherry-picking from London, nor could it be made to be more attractive outside of the EU than within.
