Death of Simon Wiesenthal

UNCLAS VIENNA 003117 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/OHI AND EUR/AGS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNAR PHUM PGOV PREL IS AU SUBJECT: Death of Simon Wiesenthal ¶1. Simon Wiesenthal died of general organ failure on September 20 in Vienna at the age of 96. The Austrian political leadership, from Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel to all parliamentary party leaders, expressed their deep regret, praising Wiesenthal as a key figure in the fight to keep remembrance of the Holocaust alive. In public comments, Chancellor Schuessel noted that the theme of Wiesenthal's life was justice, not revenge. Social Democrat Party chairman Alfred Gusenbauer stressed the need to preserve Wiesenthal's heritage for all future generations. Wiesenthal was an honorary citizen of Vienna and the recipient of many Austrian decorations. ¶2. There will be a ceremony September 21 at 3 p.m. at Vienna's Central Ceremony. Wiesenthal's remains will then go to Israel, where the funeral and burial will take place on September 23. BROWN