RUSSIAN FONMIN LAVROV: BILATERAL TALKS IN VIENNA

C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENNA 000783 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/29/2024 TAGS: PREL RU AU SUBJECT: RUSSIAN FONMIN LAVROV: BILATERAL TALKS IN VIENNA Classified By: Econ/Pol Counselor Dean Yap. Reason: 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. Russian FonMin Lavrov's bilateral discussions with the GoA on June 23 focused on European security structures, energy, and Iran, with the Russians taking a generally critical line on western/U.S. initiatives. Lavrov's visit also included the symbolic return of some Austrian archives seized at the end of WWII. End Summary. ¶2. (U) Russian FonMin Lavrov, in Vienna for OSCE discussions of Russia's proposals for a new European security architecture, also met with Austrian Chancellor Faymann and Foreign Minister Spindelegger during his visit. MFA Director for Eastern Europe Kuglitsch provided us a readout on June ¶26. Kuglitsch noted that both Austrians plan to visit Moscow in the fall/early winter. ¶3. (C) Energy: The Russians were "very anxious" to sign an inter-governmental agreement on the South Stream pipeline project, but the two sides did not have substantive talks on the proposal. Chancellor Faymann emphasized Austria's interest in the project and its interest in diversifying Europe's energy sources. Kuglitsch also noted that the Austrians had yet to see a business plan for South Stream. ¶4. (C) European Security: Though there was no specific discussion of the OSCE, the Russians were critical of both the EU's "Eastern Partnership" and of Austria's proposals for an EU initiative in the Black Sea region, charging the EU with seeking to absorb the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Council. The Russians were also critical of European Council monitoring of human rights and democracy outside the EU and of Bosnia HighRep Inzko's use of his Bonn powers. According to Kuglitsch, the Austrian side pushed back on these assertions. In relations with the U.S., Deputy Foreign Minister Titov noted, with some surprise and discomfort, according to Kuglitsch, that President Obama had proposed nine hours of substantive talks during his upcoming Moscow visit. The Russians said their priorities for talks with the U.S. were a post-START agreement, CTBT, and the FMCT. ¶5. (C) Middle East: The Russians believe that the Iranian bottom line will include retaining an enrichment capability and suggested that, with international monitoring, this should be considered, as well as a regional NWFZ and efforts to bring all states into the CTBT. Russia opposes new sanctions, which it argues would be seen as a response to the election and strengthen the regime. Lavrov said Israeli FonMin Liebermann's Moscow visit had been a success, but otherwise had little new to say on Israel-Palestine. ORDWAY