AUSTRIA ON MIDDLE EAST AT IAEA

C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENNA 001170 SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D COPY CLASSIFICATION E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/15/2024 TAGS: PARM PREL KNNP IAEA AORC AU SUBJECT: AUSTRIA ON MIDDLE EAST AT IAEA REF: STATE 094890 Classified By: Econ/Pol Counselor Dean Yap. Reason: 1.4(b) and (d) (C) Econ/Pol Counselor reviewed U.S. goals regarding the treatment of Middle East issues at the IAEA GC on Sept. 14 with Austrian MFA Disarmament Director Alexander Marschik. Marschik said Austria shared the U.S. goal of reducing the role and divisiveness of Middle Eastern issues at the IAEA. He thought, though, that while in some respects the tone of discussion at senior levels in both the Arab and NAM groups -- and specifically in Egypt -- had improved, this was not yet reflected at the action level. As to support for a single Middle East safeguards resolution or for a no action motion should an Israeli Nuclear Capabilities resolution be tabled, Marschik reported that Austria did not yet have a definite position, but would be guided by the EU consensus. E/P Counselor and Pol Chief repeated the U.S. message in a Sept. 15 meeting with newly arrived Middle East Director Friedrich Stift, who had no substantive comment. EACHO