Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05VIENNA455
2005-02-16 12:26:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Vienna
Cable title:  

Ambassador asks Justice Minister's Attention to

Tags:  CASC KOCI AU 
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UNCLAS VIENNA 000455 

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR CA/OCS/CI - G. DeBoer and G. Keiser

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC KOCI AU
SUBJECT: Ambassador asks Justice Minister's Attention to
Sylvester Case


UNCLAS VIENNA 000455

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR CA/OCS/CI - G. DeBoer and G. Keiser

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC KOCI AU
SUBJECT: Ambassador asks Justice Minister's Attention to
Sylvester Case



1. The Ambassador took the opportunity of his first meeting
with Justice Minister Karin Miklautsch - a brief visit
February 14 that focused on a time-sensitive legal issue -
to raise the Sylvester child abduction case. The Ambassador
outlined the history of the case for the Minister, stressing
the Austrian government's judicial and administrative
missteps, Mr. Sylvester's two successful judgments in the
European Court of Human Rights, and the continuing serious
concerns of the USG in the matter, up to and including
President Bush. The Ambassador described Mr. Sylvester's
frustrated efforts over many years to obtain reasonable
access to his daughter, including visits to the U.S., and
assured the Minister that U.S. interest in the case was and
would remain extremely high.


2. The Ambassador urged the Minister to become personally
involved in the child abduction case. He asked her and the
Justice Ministry staff to renew the dialogue with the U.S.
with the immediate object of exploring ways to allow Mr.
Sylvester and his daughter to enjoy a meaningful family life
together. The Ambassador said that the harsh conditions of
previous visitations had to be eased to allow Mr. Sylvester
more liberal and normal access to his daughter.


3. The Minister listened carefully, took extensive notes,
said she would consult with her staff to review options for
moving forward, and would get back to the Embassy with
comments and ideas. She offered her new chief of staff
(who was in the meeting),as the Sylvester case day-to-day
contact with the Consul General.


BROWN