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Causes criticism: a possible sale of Hahn Airport
Photo: Thomas Frey / dpa
The planned sale of a former US military airport in the Hunsrück caused waves in times of war - even as far as Berlin.
The Hessian Ministry of Finance positions itself against the possible sale to a Russian investor.
"We ask the federal government, which is responsible for examining the process under the Foreign Trade Act, to explore all of its options for preventing this sale," the ministry said.
A corresponding letter to the federal government is in preparation.
"The insolvency administrator will also be contacted," the ministry said.
Hesse sees the possible sale to a Russian investor as "extremely critical".
Hesse once had a minority stake in the airport.
The federal government coordinates itself “very closely”.
However, the Federal Ministry of Economics is keeping a low profile for the time being.
A ministry spokesman says he cannot confirm or deny that there is an investment review process.
It is a difficult question to be examined as to whether the airport is part of the critical infrastructure.
A spokeswoman for the Federal Foreign Office pointed out that the procedure in the federal government was coordinated "very closely".
Creditors at the airport will be advising on the sale this Tuesday.
A statement from the insolvency administrator is then expected.
Two independent buyers
According to information from the German Press Agency, the NR Holding of the Nürburgring around the Russian Viktor Charitonin and the Mainz-based Richter group of companies have each signed a purchase contract for Hahn Airport independently of one another.
Both have already paid the purchase price.
However, NR Holding paid more.
Therefore, it can get the contract - if the Federal Ministry of Economics does not raise an objection with regard to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine under the Foreign Trade Act.
Criticism of the possible sale comes in particular from the opposition.
Julia Klöckner from the Union faction told the »Rheinische Post«: »Anyone who is successful as a Russian in the pharmaceutical business in Russia can only do so with the blessing of (Vladimir) Putin.
And its blessing does not bode well."
tfb/dpa/Reuters