Economics
Putin in Vienna Amid Diplomatic Push to Deter Sanctions
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President Vladimir Putin arrived in Austria after asking Russian lawmakers to revoke his authority to use force in Ukraine, underscoring a diplomatic drive that may deter European efforts to tighten sanctions on Russia.
Putin met with Austrian President Heinz Fischer in Vienna as Russian gas exporter Gazprom OAO and OMV AG of Austria signed a contract to build the South Stream natural gas pipeline. The route will carry Russian gas under the Black Sea, through the Balkans and into Austria, avoiding Ukrainian territory.