URGING THE SWISS TO PRESSURE THE CUBANS

C O N F I D E N T I A L HAVANA 001076 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR WHA/CCA BOB BLAU; WHA/FO CRAIG KELLY; EUR/FO KURT VOLKER; BERN FOR CAROL URBAN E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/17/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV CU SUBJECT: URGING THE SWISS TO PRESSURE THE CUBANS REF: PARMLY E-MAIL DATED 11/16/07 Classified By: COM MICHAEL E. PARMLY FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D ¶1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 4. ¶2. (C) The Swiss Ambassador to Havana Bertrand Louis on November 15th met with Teresita Vicente, head of the Cuban Ministry of Exterior Relations (Minrex) Europe division, to request that USINT COM be received to discuss the current unclassified pouch situation and other issues. Vicente SIPDIS advised Louis that the request was "under study." In parallel, USINT has requested directly an appointment with Minrex. (Note: The COM has not been received by Minrex officials since January, 2006.) ¶3. (C) It is our understanding that a senior delegation from the Swiss Foreign Ministry led by the Swiss Assistant Secretary for Latin America will be in Havana the week of SIPDIS November 19th for high level meetings with Cuban government officials. The Swiss delegation's visit and contacts at senior GOC levels are an ideal opportunity to reiterate the request that USINT be received by Minrex. In addition to the pouch situation, there is a lengthening list of bilateral issues where direct contact would be helpful. ¶4. (C) Action requested: That Washington urgently instruct Embassy Bern to meet with appropriate officials of the Swiss Foreign Ministry to request that the Swiss delegation while in Havana press Minrex to grant a meeting to the USINT COM. This is a rare opportunity to use the good offices of the Swiss government to break this prolonged impasse. Washington's and Bern's support is greatly appreciated. PARMLY