Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09VIENNA1491
2009-11-23 15:17:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Vienna
Cable title:
AUSTRIA: SUPPORTING MACEDONIA'S EU MEMBERSHIP AND
how-toVZCZCXRO6075 RR RUEHIK DE RUEHVI #1491 3271517 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 231517Z NOV 09 FM AMEMBASSY VIENNA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3731 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO 0505 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0339
UNCLAS VIENNA 001491
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SCE (PFEUFFER AND ISMAIL)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EUN EU GR MK PGOV PREL AU
SUBJECT: AUSTRIA: SUPPORTING MACEDONIA'S EU MEMBERSHIP AND
RESOLUTION OF NAME ISSUE
REF: STATE 117721
(SBU) Polchief discussed reftel points November 20 with
Thomas Schnoell, MFA Unit Chief for Southeast Europe.
Schnoell said the GOA is hopeful for a "new dynamic" in
Macedonian-Greek efforts to resolve the name issue, noting
that the left wing in Greece, now in power following the
October elections, is more flexible in its approach than the
conservatives. He said the issue needs to be resolved
through bilateral negotiations, under a UN umbrella provided
by Matt Nimetz. Schnoell said EU member states are growing
increasingly impatient with Greece for its insistence on
blocking Macedonia's EU path because of the name issue.
Given the European Commission's positive assessment of
Macedonia, Schnoell believes member states may vote at the
December 10 European Council meeting in favor of setting a
date to begin accession talks with Macedonia. Greece could
veto such a decision, but would face heavy pressure not to do
so. Schnoell speculated that Greece may forgo a veto, and
instead use its influence to slow the accession process later
if the name issue remains unresolved.
EACHO
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SCE (PFEUFFER AND ISMAIL)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EUN EU GR MK PGOV PREL AU
SUBJECT: AUSTRIA: SUPPORTING MACEDONIA'S EU MEMBERSHIP AND
RESOLUTION OF NAME ISSUE
REF: STATE 117721
(SBU) Polchief discussed reftel points November 20 with
Thomas Schnoell, MFA Unit Chief for Southeast Europe.
Schnoell said the GOA is hopeful for a "new dynamic" in
Macedonian-Greek efforts to resolve the name issue, noting
that the left wing in Greece, now in power following the
October elections, is more flexible in its approach than the
conservatives. He said the issue needs to be resolved
through bilateral negotiations, under a UN umbrella provided
by Matt Nimetz. Schnoell said EU member states are growing
increasingly impatient with Greece for its insistence on
blocking Macedonia's EU path because of the name issue.
Given the European Commission's positive assessment of
Macedonia, Schnoell believes member states may vote at the
December 10 European Council meeting in favor of setting a
date to begin accession talks with Macedonia. Greece could
veto such a decision, but would face heavy pressure not to do
so. Schnoell speculated that Greece may forgo a veto, and
instead use its influence to slow the accession process later
if the name issue remains unresolved.
EACHO