US embassy cable - 05VIENNA455

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