SWISS MFA REPORTEDLY STILL REVIEWING FUTURE OF

S E C R E T BERN 001104 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/AGS (Y.SAINT-ANDRE) AND NEA/I (W.ALZAYAT) E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/28/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ SUBJECT: SWISS MFA REPORTEDLY STILL REVIEWING FUTURE OF LIAISON OFFICE IN BAGHDAD REF: A. STATE 159862 ¶B. 14NOV07 SAINT-ANDRE - ALZAYAT E-MAIL Classified By: Poloff Chris Buck; reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: Swiss MFA Desk Officer for Iraq Laila Sheikh told poloff November 28 that the MFA has not reached a final decision as to whether to close the Swiss Liaison Office in Baghdad (ref B). She explained that the matter is still under review, but that security and cost issues are making keeping the current Liaison Office open difficult to defend to the Swiss Parliament and public. (Note: There are two Swiss diplomats assigned to the Swiss Liaison Office in Baghdad. End Note) Sheikh emphasized that the question of the future of the Liaison Office is based solely on security and costs concerns, and does not reflect any change in Swiss-Iraqi relations. She said that, whatever is decided with regard to the Liaison Office, Switzerland will continue its engagement with Iraq. Post will continue to use appropriate opportunities to encourage the Swiss to maintain their diplomatic presence in Baghdad. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Poloff met November 28 with Swiss MFA Desk Officer for Iraq Laila Sheikh to deliver the points in ref A. Sheikh expressed appreciation for the briefing. In the course of the conversation, poloff referred to recent press reports (ref B) indicating that Switzerland plans to close its Liaison Office in Baghdad, due to security concerns. Poloff observed that such a move would send a negative signal, particularly at a time when the USG and others are working toward a normalized relationship with Iraq. ¶3. (C) Sheikh said that the MFA has not, in fact, reached a final decision as to whether to close the Swiss Liaison Office in Baghdad. She explained that the matter is still under review, but that security and cost issues are making keeping the current Liaison Office open difficult to defend to the Swiss Parliament and public. Sheikh noted that the Iraqi Agricultural Ministry and part of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior are on the same street where the Swiss Liaison Office is located, and that the different security personnel used by the two Iraqi ministries increased the operating difficulties and security concerns of the Swiss Liaison Office. (Note: There are two Swiss diplomats assigned to the Swiss Liaison Office in Baghdad. The Swiss use a private security contractor with a mixture of South African and Iraqi guards to protect their facility. End Note) Sheikh said one of the options the MFA is considering is possibly re-locating the Swiss Liaison staff to a facility in a neighboring country. She said she did not think a final decision likely until early next year, and that any such decision would be taken at the level of the Federal Council. ¶4. (C) Sheikh emphasized that the question of the future of the Liaison Office is based solely on security and costs concerns, and does not reflect any change in Swiss-Iraqi relations. She said that, whatever is decided with regard to the Liaison Office, Switzerland will continue its engagement with Iraq. Sheikh undertook to keep post informed of any developments regarding the MFA's plans for the Liaison Office. ¶5. (S) Comment: In a separate, earlier conversation, MFA State Secretary Michael Ambuehl (protect) told the Ambassador he regretted the decision to close the Swiss Liaison Office in Baghdad, perhaps suggesting that the decision was made despite his advice to the contrary. Poloff's subsequent conversation with Sheikh indicates that the MFA is revisiting the matter to some degree, though Sheik's remarks suggest that the tendency is still probably toward closing the Liaison Office in Baghdad. Post will continue to use appropriate opportunities to encourage the Swiss to maintain their diplomatic presence in Baghdad. End Comment. CONEWAY