AUSTRIA WORRIED ABOUT IRAN SANCTIONS DEBATE

C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENNA 000845 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/09/2024 TAGS: PREL UNSC IR AU SUBJECT: AUSTRIA WORRIED ABOUT IRAN SANCTIONS DEBATE Classified By: CDA Chris Hoh. Reason: 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In an introductory call July 9, incoming Diplomatic Advisor to the Chancellor Juergen Meindl (protect) told Charge that the GoA is concerned about what it expects to be a contentious discussion in both the UNSC and the EU about further sanctions on Iran, should Tehran fail to respond to recent international pressure. Meindl reported that Chancellor Faymann continues to oppose sanctions not adopted by the UNSC and, therefore, globally applicable. These, he believes, would cede the future Iranian market to Russia and China without imposing real costs on Iran. Meindl reported that the Austrians were already coming under increasing pressure from France, Israel, and others to change Austria's position, but he noted the specific interests of Austria's leading energy firm, OMV, in keeping channels open to Iran as an important factor in the thinking of Chancellor Faymann. Meindl expects the issue to come to the fore after August and asked for close coordination between the U.S. and Austria in New York as well as in capitals. ¶2. (C) Comment. Austria has been a core member of the group of EU states opposed to EU-only sanctions against Iran. We would expect Austria to support stronger sanctions in the UNSC, provided they obtain Russian and Chinese support, and to oppose EU action independent of the UNSC. However, Austria (which also seeks to present itself as the voice of the EU as a whole in the UNSC) will be in a difficult position should the clear majority of the EU favor tough sanctions. End Comment. HOH