Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07HAVANA1076
2007-11-16 20:32:00
CONFIDENTIAL
US Interests Section Havana
Cable title:  

URGING THE SWISS TO PRESSURE THE CUBANS

Tags:  PREL PGOV CU 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHUB #1076 3202032
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 162032Z NOV 07
FM USINT HAVANA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2503
INFO RUEHSW/AMEMBASSY BERN IMMEDIATE 0166
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

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

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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

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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