Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09VIENNA468
2009-04-17 15:32:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Vienna
how-toVZCZCXRO2886 PP RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHVI #0468 1071532 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 171532Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY VIENNA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2396 RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC PRIORITY INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES
UNCLAS VIENNA 000468
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN AU
SUBJECT: Austria Strongly Supports Kosovo IMF/WB
Membership Bid
REF: State 0266
UNCLAS VIENNA 000468
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN AU
SUBJECT: Austria Strongly Supports Kosovo IMF/WB
Membership Bid
REF: State 0266
1. Post delivered reftel demarche to Dr. Edith
Frauwallner (head of international affairs at
Austria's MinFin) along with UK, French, and Italian
embassy representatives and in coordination with the
German embassy in Vienna.
2. MinFin rep replied that formal action rests with
the Austrian National Bank, whose Governor Ewald
Nowotny WILL vote in favor of Kosovo's membership
bid and seek to influence other countries.
Frauwallner described Austria as one of Kosovo's
earliest and most steadfast supporters -- and
willing to sway others if possible. For instance,
FinMin Proell will soon meet Romania's finance
minister and could conceivably raise the topic.
Erhard Busek, former Special Coordinator of the
Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, is also
engaged on the issue.
3. GoA rep asked whom Austria might usefully
"target" for lobbying on the membership bid.
EconPol Counselor cited European countries who have
recognized and/or are not actively opposed to an
independent Kosovo. The UK Embassy rep cited
Slovakia and asked if Austria could sound out Czech
capacities for action given its government crisis.
Frauwallner surmised that the Spring Meetings will
provide more clarity.
4. Post learned separately that Austrian National
Bank Governor Nowotny has submitted a written vote
in favor of Kosovo's IMF application.
KILNER
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN AU
SUBJECT: Austria Strongly Supports Kosovo IMF/WB
Membership Bid
REF: State 0266
1. Post delivered reftel demarche to Dr. Edith
Frauwallner (head of international affairs at
Austria's MinFin) along with UK, French, and Italian
embassy representatives and in coordination with the
German embassy in Vienna.
2. MinFin rep replied that formal action rests with
the Austrian National Bank, whose Governor Ewald
Nowotny WILL vote in favor of Kosovo's membership
bid and seek to influence other countries.
Frauwallner described Austria as one of Kosovo's
earliest and most steadfast supporters -- and
willing to sway others if possible. For instance,
FinMin Proell will soon meet Romania's finance
minister and could conceivably raise the topic.
Erhard Busek, former Special Coordinator of the
Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, is also
engaged on the issue.
3. GoA rep asked whom Austria might usefully
"target" for lobbying on the membership bid.
EconPol Counselor cited European countries who have
recognized and/or are not actively opposed to an
independent Kosovo. The UK Embassy rep cited
Slovakia and asked if Austria could sound out Czech
capacities for action given its government crisis.
Frauwallner surmised that the Spring Meetings will
provide more clarity.
4. Post learned separately that Austrian National
Bank Governor Nowotny has submitted a written vote
in favor of Kosovo's IMF application.
KILNER