AUSTRIAN HOSTAGE SITUATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENNA 000735

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/29/2023
TAGS: PTER PGOV AU
SUBJECT: AUSTRIAN HOSTAGE SITUATION

REF: STATE 53330

Classified By: Econ/Pol Counselor Dean Yap. Reason: 1.4(b) and (d)


1. (C) Johann Sattler, Political Affairs Advisor to Austrian
MFA Secretary General Kyrle, reported May 29 that the
Ministry saw no certain early prospect for the release of the
two Austrian citizens held by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
(AQIM) since February 2008. Sattler said ongoing
negotiations had appeared to be on the verge of success at
several points, but that all agreements had collapsed.
Sattler did not discuss what terms these agreements might
have included. Sattler's analysis was that the hostage
takers represented several different groups, with diverging
views and interests, and have therefore been unable to agree
on terms for a release. However, though nothing was
definitely in view, Sattler thought the nature of the hostage
takers meant that a release could come with unexpected
suddenness.


2. (C) Econ/Pol Counselor raised the points in reftel, noting
that a release agreement would have an impact not just on
Austria, but on the security of all western persons as well.
Sattler agreed, and said the GoA recognizes the legitimacy of
these concerns. He indicated, however, that Austria also had
a national perspective on the issue and domestic political
concerns to factor into its decision making.

Kilner