AUSTRIAN VIEWS IN ADVANCE OF THE FAC

UNCLAS VIENNA 000076 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EUN PGOV PREL AU SUBJECT: AUSTRIAN VIEWS IN ADVANCE OF THE FAC REF: 01/16/10 EUR/ERA EMAIL Polchief discussed the January 25 FAC on January 20 with Klaus Famira, MFA European Correspondent. Famira offered the following views: -- Iran: FAC participants will discuss the possibility of EU sanctions on Iran. Famira said he did not expect any decision to be reached during the meeting. He said the GOA, which normally questions the efficacy of sanctions, is now closer to accepting the idea of EU sanctions. Nevertheless, the GOA believes the EU should wait for the UNSC to complete its process before taking action. Famira argued that any decision by the EU to impose sanctions before the UNSC process was completed would remove the pressure on UNSC members, allowing China and/or Russia to argue that the EU measures obviated the need for strong UNSC action. -- Bosnia: Austria shares the USG view that EUFOR troop levels should be maintained through the October 2010 elections. The GOA is concerned about the desire on the part of some EU states to withdraw troops earlier. -- Somalia: FAC participants are expected to make a political decision approving a CSDP training mission for the Somali military in Uganda. There will also be a discussion of trial venues for pirates captured off the Somali coast. -- Afghanistan: There will be a discussion on the upcoming conferences in London and Kabul, and on EU engagement. The GOA believes the Afghan government is probably not prepared to hold credible parliamentary elections in May 2010. -- Yemen: Participants will discuss the need to increase EU engagement to help prevent Yemen from becoming a failed state, but no decisions are expected regarding funding or development efforts. -- Serbia: Though Serbia is not on the FAC agenda, High Representative Ashton will meet with Serbian FM Jeremic on the margins of the meeting. -- Ukraine: There will probably not be a Ukraine discussion. Ukraine was put on the agenda to allow for debate in case of serious complications in the elections, which did not occur. EACHO