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P 061459Z FEB 07
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SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR EUR/AGS, INR/EU, AND EUR/PPD FOR YVETTE SAINT-ANDRE 
 
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E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO AU OPRC
 
SUBJECT: AUSTRIAN MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS: February 06, 2007 
 
 
Looking for Proof 
 
¶1. The Eurofighter investigation committee has concluded that the 
Austrian government purchased the technically most advanced and, at 
the same time, most expensive interceptor planes. The version 
purchased was calculated to be the best deal because only new (not 
used) planes were considered and maintenance costs were excluded 
from the cost calculation, although it was clear that these costs 
would be high. The explanation for this procedure was that no 
conclusive data was available and could only be elicited through 
operation of the jets. 
Centrist daily "Die Presse" reports that military estimates show 
that the Eurofighter could cost up to four times as much as the 
original purchase price. An open question is how the decision for 
the Eurofighter was made in 2002. The FPOe and the Greens suspect 
that the then-Minister of Finance Karl-Heinz Grasser, as well as 
Magna played a decisive role. Grasser is said to have pulled strings 
to bring about the deal and Magna allegedly profits from reciprocal 
deals and has induced a number of political figures, among them FPOe 
parliamentary floor leader Peter Westenthaler and the husband of 
former Vice Chancellor Susanne Riess-Passer, to accept the deal. 
However, without conclusive proof, it is doubtful the investigative 
committee's findings will produce a reason to abandon the contract, 
writes "Die Presse." 
DOMESTIC/INTERNATIONAL 
 
US Wants Austria's Soldiers in Afghanistan 
 
¶2. US Deputy Chief of Mission Scott Kilner gave an interview to 
provincial daily "Tiroler Tageszeitung" when he paid  his first 
official visit to the province, during which he also met with 
Provincial Governor Herwig van Staa and Mayor Hilde Zach and visited 
several companies. In the interview, Kilner stressed the good 
relations between Austria and the US - once again confirmed during 
the Austrian EU presidency, which went very well, the DCM said. More 
cooperation in certain areas would be welcome, though, Kilner 
stated, specifying Afghanistan as a case in point. At present, 
Austria has 6 soldiers stationed with ISAF in the country, he said; 
it would be very helpful if efforts in this direction could be 
increased. Kiln er mentioned the last elections in Afghanistan, when 
Austria stationed approximately 100 soldiers there. He emphasized 
that, "the future of Afghanistan is of great importance to all of 
us. This is not just an American task." In general, he encouraged 
the Austrians to show "a little more activism in international 
crises." 
 
We Share Many Values 
 
¶3. In an interview with provincial daily "Vorarlberger Nachrichten," 
US Ambassador Susan McCaw stressed the strong bilateral relationship 
between the US and Austria, which are based on common interests and 
values. Economic relations are especially good, McCaw pointed out, 
rating them at "between 8 and 9" on a scale of ten. Political 
relations, influenced largely by the Iraq war which is unpopular in 
Austria, are not as good, the US Ambassador admitted, adding there 
have been "misunderstandings regarding foreign policy." While the 
Austrian politicians have accepted the facts and are indicating 
their intention to help, the people are still very critical. "US 
morality is questioned," said McCaw, and again stating her 
conviction that "President Bush has a clear vision of matters. He 
wants to do the right thing, he forcefully addresses the task at 
hand and he believes in his actions." 
Klaus Hdmmerle from the "Vorarlberger Nachrichten" comments on the 
interview with the US Ambassador, pointing out that "being a US 
Ambassador it is no easy job. The USA as the world's only superpower 
in a present war situation divides people. Against this backdrop, it 
is not possible to restrict diplomatic work to routine protocol 
activities. (...) US Ambassador Susan Mc Caw, who has been in office 
one year, has realized that. (...) Her justification of Bush's Iraq 
policy does not stem from fervent belief, but from her loyal 
diplomatic attitude. She appreciates support for the US position - 
for instance with regard to the Iran issue, where the Americans are 
by no means the only ones who are afraid of President Ahmadinejad 
possessing nuclear arms. Susan McCaw, like many of her diplomatic 
colleagues all over the world, has to defend polices that are 
unpopular and unappealing. She herself has remained wise and 
likable." 
 
UN Alarmed:  250,000 Children Used As Soldiers 
 
¶4. Representatives of 60 governments are in Paris to discuss the 
issue of child soldiers. In 28 countries, an estimated 250,000 
children are sent into combat by ruthless military regimes or 
 
rebels. One third of the children are girls who are also subjected 
to sexual violence. Experts believe one outcome of the conference 
will be more money earmarked to reintegrate traumatized children 
into their respective societies. 
Mass circulation daily "Kurier" reports on the UNICEF conference in 
Paris, where French Foreign Minister Douste-Blazy called the use of 
child soldiers "more than just a crime - rather it is a time bomb 
for the stability and the growth in Africa and beyond." He called on 
Western democracies to set a good example - a clear side-swipe at 
Britain, which sent some 17-year-old soldiers into Iraq. By Tuesday, 
the states and assistance organizations will formulate principles 
aimed at fighting recruitment, freeing the child soldiers and 
facilitating their reintegration into society. For the latter, 
financial assistance is necessary to devise effective programs. The 
task is difficult - it has to be assumed that children that have 
never known anything else than to secure their survival with weapons 
will be damaged in one way or another, says Andreas Rister from the 
organization "terre des homes." Independent daily "Salzburger 
Nachrichten" singles out Africa, parts of Asia (Sri Lanka, Indonesia 
and the Philippines) and Latin America (Colombia and Haiti) as 
regions where the recruitment of child soldiers by irregular 
military forces, rebel groups, or paramilitary units is standard 
practice. 
 
War Against Iran Would Be Catastrophe 
 
¶5. British human rights organizations have warned of the possible 
disastrous effects of a war against Iran. 15 organizations issued a 
joint report saying such a war could backfire: An attack could 
strengthen the nuclear ambitions of the country and undermine 
efforts to bring stability to neighboring Iraq. A confrontation 
could also push up oil prices and have a negative impact on global 
economic growth. 
Stephen Twigg, head of the "Foreign Policy Center" is quoted by 
semi-official daily "Wiener Zeitung" as referring to the "repugnant" 
and "unthinkable" consequence of taking military measures against 
Iran, which he says that, despite its nuclear ambitions, is still 
years away from achieving the bomb. Meanwhile, Iran remains active 
on the business sector, reports the daily with reference to Iranian 
Foreign Minister Mottaki's claim that his country had concluded 33 
billion dollars worth of business agreements in the oil and gas 
sector and subway construction. Austria is also among those 
countries doing business with Iran - much to the dismay of 
Washington. Thomas Huemer, spokesman of the Austrian OMV has pointed 
out to "Wiener Zeitung" that the OMV adhered to European and 
Austrian laws in its business deals with Iran. 
 
GIULIANI ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL BID 
 
¶6. On Monday, former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani announced his 
intention to make a bid for the Republican presidential nomination 
by submitting the necessary documents for a candidacy at the Federal 
Election Commission in Washington. Giuliani bases his popularity on 
his successful fight against crime in New York and his determined 
actions in the wake of the September 11 attacks. So far, the 
favorite for the Republican presidential nomination is Arizona 
Senator John McCain. 
 
Last Chance for Baghdad 
 
¶7. On Monday, first preparations were made for an all-out military 
offensive aimed at stabilizing Baghdad, dividing the city into zones 
and erecting street barricades. The need to stabilize Baghdad is 
seen as a precondition for creating stability in the country. There 
were reportedly differences between the Iraqi government and the 
Americans whether to focus on the Shiite militia or the Sunni 
insurgents, though whether and how these differences were  resolved 
is not yet known. The American military campaign will involve 17,500 
additional soldiers who will secure the Iraqi capital, plus 4,000 
more for the province of Anbar - considered a huge effort for the 
already overextended US army. 
For the Iraqi army, the mission is in a sense a baptism by fire, 
writes independent daily "Der Standard." For the first time, the 
Shiite Ministry of the Interior and the Sunni Ministry of Defense 
are to coordinate their efforts in the planned military offensive. 
"Der Standard" interviewed Iraq expert Peter Heine, Professor for 
Islamic Studies at the Humboldt University in Berlin for his 
assessment of the Baghdad plan. Heine pointed out that, depending on 
who the security forces will focus on, the Shiites and Sunnis will 
see themselves as the main target. Not much will change, according 
to the Iraq expert, who sees the central problem in the fact that 
the loyalties of the Iraqi security forces do not lie with the state 
and the government, but rather with their respective clans or 
religious beliefs. 
 
 
EU/RUSSIA:  KOSOVO REMAINS SORE POINT 
 
¶8. The representatives of the EU and Russia are stressing their 
intention to reinvigorate their relationship. In a meeting in Moscow 
Monday, however, the Foreign Ministers of the EU troika and Russia 
were noncommittal about the crucial issue of the independence of 
Kosovo. The plan put forward by UN chief envoy Martti Ahtisaari for 
a monitored independence of the province has been rejected by 
Belgrade, and Moscow has always emphasized that it will only agree 
to a Kosovo solution that meets with Belgrade's approval. 
McCaw