AUSTRIANS WARY OF RUSSIAN OPPOSITION TO U.S. ROLE

C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENNA 000895 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA AND EUR/CARC E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL EUN GG AU SUBJECT: AUSTRIANS WARY OF RUSSIAN OPPOSITION TO U.S. ROLE IN EUMM REF: 7/16/09 EUR/ERA EMAIL Classified by: Economic-Political Counselor (acting) Philip Kaplan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). (C) Polchief on July 21 discussed possible U.S. participation in the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia with Klaus Famira, MFA European Correspondent. Famira emphasized that the GOA believes that the EUMM, to be effective, must be accepted "by all parties," including Russia. U.S. participation could enhance the operational effectiveness and credibility of the operation, but can only be considered if the Russians are willing to accept it, he argued. Famira noted that the EUMM is now the only remaining international observer presence in Georgia, and said the GOA wants to avoid any actions that could cause the EUMM to be shut down. Famira said the issue had not yet been fully discussed in the EU Council. HOH