SUPPORT LEBANON: DEMARCHE DELIVERED

C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENNA 000170 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/04/2023 TAGS: PREL PHUM LE SY AU SUBJECT: SUPPORT LEBANON: DEMARCHE DELIVERED REF: (A) STATE 10786 (B) VIENNA 165 Classified By: Charge Scott Kilner. Reason: 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Charge delivered ref A demarche to Austrian MFA Political Director Thomas Mayr-Harting on the margins of a previously-scheduled February 4 luncheon at the DCM Residence. Mayr-Harting had no immediate response on most elements of the USG approach. In the context of FonMin Plassnik's ongoing trip to Lebanon, Israel, the West Bank, and Syria, he did note, however, that Austria's policy toward contacts with Syria was firmly aligned with the EU mainstream. He recalled that Austria had refused to receive Iranian FonMin Mottaki in January, which some other EU states had not done. He also stressed Austria's relationship with Syrian FonMin Muallem, whom Mayr-Harting described as a force for relative moderation in the Syrian regime. Plassnik's trip, starting with Lebanon and ending in Syria, he added, would give her a solid basis for discussions in Damascus. ¶2. (C) Upon the return of Middle East Director Scheide with the Minister at the end of this week, Embassy will pursue Lebanon demarche points further, as well as obtain a readout on Plassnik's trip. Kilner