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