DEMARCHE: RESPONSE TO INVITATION TO U/S BURNS

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 125479

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/04/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL SY
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE: RESPONSE TO INVITATION TO U/S BURNS

REF: DAMASCUS 781

Classified By: NEA - Jeffrey Feltman, for reasons 1.4 (b,d)


1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 2.


2. (C) In response to Vice Foreign Minister Miqdad's November
5 invitation to Under Secretary for Political Affairs (P)
William J. Burns, Post is requested to deliver the following
oral demarche to appropriate MFA officials:

-- We appreciate the invitation for Under Secretary Burns to
visit Damascus.

-- We are looking favorably at the prospect of his visit
early next year.

-- We will be in contact to determine in advance the meetings
and the agenda.


3. (U) Please report Syrian responses to NEA/ELA Desk Officer
Andy Abell.
CLINTON