AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CHARGE FIRM WITH

S E C R E T VIENNA 003745

SIPDIS

FOR ISN/MTR, EUR/AGS, AND EUR/PRA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/28/2015
TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC ETTC AU MTCRE
SUBJECT: AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CHARGE FIRM WITH
VIOLATING FOREIGN TRADE ACT VIOLATIONS FOR EXPORTS TO IRAN
(S)

REF: A) VIENNA 3464 B) VIENNA 3325 C) STATE 185786

Classified By: Economic-Political Counselor Gregory E. Phillips for
reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (S/NF) During a November 25 discussion with Economic Unit
Chief, Helmut Krehlik, Head of the Ministry of Economy's
Import and Export Division, said that the GoA would almost
certainly charge the Daniel Frosch Export (DFE) Industrial
Spare Parts company with violating Austria's Foreign Trade
Act and Article 4 of the EU's Dual-Use Regulation. The
anticipated charges stem from DFE Industrial Spare Parts'
export of twelve valves to the Iranian firm Mehr. Krehlik
stated that the GoA has "a solid case" against DFE. He noted
that, although the valves were technically not subject to
dual-use provisions, the GoA had warned Daniel Frosch, the
company's President, in January to report any exports to Mehr
in advance. Krehlik said the GoA regarded Mehr as a company
promoting Iran's missile programs. Krehlik promised to keep
the USG informed of developments in the case.
VAN VOORST