Largest French & Austrian Oil Companies Sponsoring Conference in Tehran

Thanks to Insights Into Today's Middle East, Largest French & Austrian Oil Companies Sponsoring Conference in Tehran:

On October 4 and 5, 2008, the second international conference on Iranian gas export is to be held in Tehran. The conference will focus on the development of the gas industry, gas export opportunities and potentials of the Islamic Republic. Two of the oil companies sponsoring this conference are the oil giants OMV from Austria  (listed as “Silver sponsor”) and Total, France's largest energy company (listed as “Platinum sponsor”). [1] 


Despite numerous resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council as well as sanctions imposed by the EU and the latest IAEA report (September 2008), stating that Iran has repeatedly blocked a UN investigation into allegations that it tried to make nuclear weapons, European companies continue doing business with Iran.


By financing the conference, OMV and Total are in fact undermining the concept of sanctions. If European companies would stop their business with Iran, that could reinforce the only strategy that might have a chance of peacefully persuading Iran to abandon its nuclear program. [2] Only last last week, French Foreign minister Bernard Kouchner said: “We cannot just condemn anymore. We must take care of the Iranian nuclear issue. The situation is becoming dangerous.” [3]


Thomas Huemer, OMV's spokesperson, said: “ Iran is one the countries that has the largest gas reserves. It is therefore only logical, that OMV representatives participate at the conference (…)." [4] The largest shareholder in OMV is the Austrian government, which controls 31,5% of the company. [5]
 
In September 2008, French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned against Iranian nukes: “If Iran is able to acquire nuclear weapons, it could not only threaten the Middle East, but also the rest of the world.” [6]

Overview: EU business ties with Iran

Austria and Iran: Relations

France and Iran: Relations

Uranium Enrichment and Nuclear Weaponization in Iran

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References

[1] http://www.gasexport.ir/ (retrieved on September 25, 2008)

[2] „The Europeans stop foot-dragging on Iran,“ International Herald Tribune, June 29, 2008, http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/29/opinion/edeurope.php


[3] Zimmermann, Dana: „French FM: Condeming Iran insufficient,“ YnetNews, September 25, 2008, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3601803,00.html

[4] „Erdgas: OMV sponsert Konferenz im Iran,“ Die Presse, August 28, 2008, http://diepresse.com/home/politik/aussenpolitik/409546/index.do

[5] Swire, Dominic: „OMV turns from predator to possible saviour of MOL's independence,“ BusinessNewEurope, August 21, 2008, http://businessneweurope.eu/story1210

[6] „Sarkozy warns against Iranian nukes,“ United Press International, September 3, 2008, http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/09/03/Sarkozy_warns_against_Iranian_nukes/UPI-92221220485699/

Comments

[Katie]

This is the UN's idea of sanctions on Iran. The nations of Europe will cry we didn't know when Iran detonates a nuke. But they will have gotten their 30 pieces of silver.