SWISS LIKEMINDED ON DEMOCRACY IN VENEZUELA -- BUT

C O N F I D E N T I A L BERN 001087

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/AND/LOURDES CUE
STATE ALSO FOR EUR/AGS/SAINT-ANDRE, TRICK, MOON

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2012
TAGS: PGOV PHUM SZ
SUBJECT: SWISS LIKEMINDED ON DEMOCRACY IN VENEZUELA -- BUT
NO SPECIFIC MEASURES CONTEMPLATED

REF: SECSTATE 157005

Classified By: POL/ECON Counselor Stanley A. Otto for reasons 1.4 (b) a
nd (d)


1. (C) Pol/Econ Officer delivered the reftel talking points
on anti-democratic reforms in Venezuela on November 16 to
Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs U.S. Office Director Urs
Hammer and South America Desk Officer Nora Kronig, and
received an initial readout on the Swiss position regarding
the Chavez anti-democratic reform package.


2. (C) Hammer noted that Switzerland is, of course, concerned
about the anti-democratic reforms in Venezuela, and in
particular about the constitutional amendments to be voted on
during the December 2 referendum. Switzerland shares the
democratic values of the United States and is following the
developments in Venezuela closely. As an example of Swiss
interest, Hammer noted the participation of three Swiss
experts on constitutional law (Mr. Andreas Gross, Dr. Thomas
Fleiner, and Ms. Claudia Josi) in an international congress
on electoral rights and popular participation held in
Venezuela at the end of October.


3. (C) Kronig added only that the GOS had no special plans at
present for initiatives aimed at the Government of Venezuela
regarding these anti-democratic developments. She noted that
the GOS would discuss this further, and she would inform us
of any changes in their approach.

CARTER