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Quietly, Austria is becoming Iran's biggest partner
Haaretz ^ | Apr. 29, 2010 | Yossi Melman

Posted on 05/05/2010 5:56:13 AM PDT by nuconvert

Austria's trade with Iran is growing. Many of the deals are being done with firms owned by the Revolutionary Guard.

Very quietly, without arousing too much attention, Austria is turning into one of Iran's most important partners in the European Union. Germany, which is Iran's largest EU trade partner, has until now been the main target of criticism by the Israeli government and international organizations seeking to convince the world to stiffen sanctions on Iran. And this criticism is working: Several German companies, such as the giant Siemens corporation, have said they will reduce their trade with Iran.

But while most EU countries reduced their commercial ties with the ayatollahs' regime in Iran over the past year, Austria expanded them.

Austrian exports to Iran grew by 6 percent in 2009, to 350 million euros. This statistic takes on special significance given that due to the global financial crisis, Austria's total worldwide exports shrank last year by 20 percent. Only with Iran is trade increasing, Simone Dinah Hartmann wrote recently in The Wall Street Journal.

The problem is not just the existence of commercial ties, but their nature. Some Austrian companies involved in this commerce are suspected of trading with straw companies that actually belong to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

(Excerpt) Read more at haaretz.com ...


TOPICS: Editorial; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: austria; iran

1 posted on 05/05/2010 5:56:13 AM PDT by nuconvert
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To: nuconvert; Quix; WKB

End times fulfillment?


2 posted on 05/05/2010 5:57:26 AM PDT by metmom (Welfare was never meant to be a career choice.)
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To: nuconvert
Austria makes some really nice guns.
3 posted on 05/05/2010 6:03:01 AM PDT by DYngbld (I have read the back of the Book and we WIN!!!!)
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To: nuconvert

Does any one here speak Austrian?


4 posted on 05/05/2010 6:07:44 AM PDT by LearnsFromMistakes (Tag line deleted...don't want to incite violence...)
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To: LearnsFromMistakes

“Does any one here speak Austrian?”

I can translate Austrian into American.


5 posted on 05/05/2010 6:11:11 AM PDT by PetroniusMaximus
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To: DYngbld
Yep, despite being one of the biggest snakes in European history they sure do know how to make some small arms.

One of these days Austria is going to get what has long been coming to it. Despite being the leaders of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, being the junior Nazis, and generally immoral arms dealers since the end of WW2, they have gotten off extremely light.
6 posted on 05/05/2010 6:12:38 AM PDT by Goldsborough
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To: Goldsborough
Agreed historically they have been snakes.

But I do like my Glock, and would like to get another one.

Austria is one of those countries that just gets forgotten about. Until they do something stupid.

7 posted on 05/05/2010 6:21:07 AM PDT by DYngbld (I have read the back of the Book and we WIN!!!!)
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To: DYngbld

I hear they’re very good at marching...


8 posted on 05/05/2010 6:24:05 AM PDT by Eric in the Ozarks (Impeachment !)
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To: nuconvert

Wonderful:

The most well-known Austrian in the USA wants to change the rules & run for President.

Another unholy alliance.


9 posted on 05/05/2010 6:27:03 AM PDT by ridesthemiles
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To: nuconvert

Anschluss II, der Sequel...


10 posted on 05/05/2010 6:33:58 AM PDT by Buckeye McFrog
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To: metmom

Goodness.

Could be.

God have mercy.

Thx.


11 posted on 05/05/2010 7:42:22 AM PDT by Quix (BLOKES who got us where we R: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)
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To: LearnsFromMistakes

Does any one here speak Austrian?


No only german ;-)


12 posted on 05/06/2010 6:58:17 AM PDT by darkside321
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To: Goldsborough

Yep, despite being one of the biggest snakes in European history they sure do know how to make some small arms.

One of these days Austria is going to get what has long been coming to it. Despite being the leaders of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, being the junior Nazis, and generally immoral arms dealers since the end of WW2, they have gotten off extremely light.


Oh come on! Btw I like the “immoral arms dealer” part.
As if there can be found ANY morals in international arms trade. Do you really think a US arm manufactor has sleeples nights that maybe some day a US soldier could get shot with his weapons? I guess not. It´s all about money!
btw. isn´t the US the biggest arms dealer in the World?
Iranian F14 anyone?
It´s called capitalism as long someone whants to buy it
someone will sell it.
There are no morals.


13 posted on 05/06/2010 11:43:50 AM PDT by darkside321
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