Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09VIENNA345
2009-03-24 15:14:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Vienna
Cable title:
AUSTRIA SHARES USG CONCERNS ABOUT KFOR FORCE LEVELS
how-toVZCZCXRO8389 PP RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHNP RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHVI #0345 0831514 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 241514Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY VIENNA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2189 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENNA 000345
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/RPM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/24/2019
TAGS: PREL MARR NATO KPKO KV AU
SUBJECT: AUSTRIA SHARES USG CONCERNS ABOUT KFOR FORCE LEVELS
REF: STATE 26179
Classified by: Economic-Political Counselor J. Dean Yap for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
(C) Polchief discussed reftel points March 24 with Thomas
Schnoell, MFA Unit Chief for Southeast Europe. Schnoell said
the GOA, like the USG, is concerned that some KFOR
contributing states are discussing withdrawing troops from
Kosovo unilaterally. He said the GOA was surprised and
disappointed by Spain's announced decision to withdraw all of
its KFOR forces. The Western Balkans is Austria's top
military priority, and Austria has no plans to reduce its
KFOR presence, he said. Polchief emphasized the importance
of maintaining the "in together, out together" commitment
among KFOR allies, noting that Austria would be among those
countries faced with an onerous burden if others pulled out
unilaterally. Schnoell agreed, and said the GOA had not had
the opportunity to raise the issue in EU fora, but would
speak against unilateral withdrawal when the chance arose.
KILNER
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/RPM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/24/2019
TAGS: PREL MARR NATO KPKO KV AU
SUBJECT: AUSTRIA SHARES USG CONCERNS ABOUT KFOR FORCE LEVELS
REF: STATE 26179
Classified by: Economic-Political Counselor J. Dean Yap for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
(C) Polchief discussed reftel points March 24 with Thomas
Schnoell, MFA Unit Chief for Southeast Europe. Schnoell said
the GOA, like the USG, is concerned that some KFOR
contributing states are discussing withdrawing troops from
Kosovo unilaterally. He said the GOA was surprised and
disappointed by Spain's announced decision to withdraw all of
its KFOR forces. The Western Balkans is Austria's top
military priority, and Austria has no plans to reduce its
KFOR presence, he said. Polchief emphasized the importance
of maintaining the "in together, out together" commitment
among KFOR allies, noting that Austria would be among those
countries faced with an onerous burden if others pulled out
unilaterally. Schnoell agreed, and said the GOA had not had
the opportunity to raise the issue in EU fora, but would
speak against unilateral withdrawal when the chance arose.
KILNER