Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09VIENNA845
2009-07-10 11:05:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Vienna
Cable title:
AUSTRIA WORRIED ABOUT IRAN SANCTIONS DEBATE
how-toVZCZCXRO4134 RR RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDIR RUEHKUK RUEHTRO DE RUEHVI #0845 1911105 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 101105Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY VIENNA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2936 INFO RUCNIRA/IRAN COLLECTIVE RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0310
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).
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
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