LISBON (Portugal), Feb 1: The European Union has given Vienna notice that an anti-immigration party's inclusion in Austria's next government will bring a severing of political links with Its other 14 member states. reportsAP.

Governments of 14 member states will not promote or accept any bilateral official contacts at political level with an Austrian government integrating the EPO. said an EU statement issued in Lisbon on Monday. referring to Austria's far-right Freedom Party.

Nor will the 14 states back Austrian candidates bidding for posts in international organizations. while Austrian ambassadors in the EU capital "will only be received at a technical level, said a statement issued by Portugal, which holds the EU presidency.

It was the first time the union has issued such a stern warning to one of its member states.

The statement in effect pledged broad political isolation within the EU for an Austrian government which included Joerg Haider s Freedom Party.

Iii Vienna. Haider shrugged off the EU's warning and insisted his party would continue In talks to loin the next government The foreign critics must respect the outcome of the elections which propelled his Karty to national prominence, r said.

"I am somewhat horrified how lightly one takes democracy in a country such as Austria.’ Haider said, describing the warnings as "an attempt to take Influence from the outside" on Austria s internal affairs.

A spokesman for Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres said Austria would keep its seat at EU ministerial meetings. which are multilateral.

Halder's party Is in coalition • talks with the center-right Austrian People's Party following inconclusive elections held In October.

The prospect of Halder Influencing Austrian policy has brought fierce criticism from EU leaders because of his statements against EU expansion and remarks sympathetic to aspects of the Nazi regime.

The tough statement Indicated the EU was ready for a showdown with Austria, even if that meant unprecedented interference In Its internal political issues. It was also a signal to other far-right parties in Europe. _