Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BERN109
2009-03-11 16:38:00
SECRET
Embassy Bern
how-toR 111638Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY BERN TO SECSTATE WASHDC 5707
S E C R E T BERN 000109
DEPT FOR DS/IP/ITA, DS/IP/EUR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/11/2019
TAGS: ASEC PTER SV
SUBJECT: BERN SEPQ MARCH 2009
REF: STATE 13023
Classified By: RSO BRIAN C. MURPHY FOR REASON 1.5d
S E C R E T BERN 000109
DEPT FOR DS/IP/ITA, DS/IP/EUR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/11/2019
TAGS: ASEC PTER SV
SUBJECT: BERN SEPQ MARCH 2009
REF: STATE 13023
Classified By: RSO BRIAN C. MURPHY FOR REASON 1.5d
1. (SBU) The following are responses to the Security
Environment Profile Questionnaire for political violence and
terrorism for the U.S. Embassy in Bern, and are keyed to
the reftel.
2. (SBU) Political Violence
--------------
I. (SBU) Demonstrations
A. Are there any ethnic or religious communities in Bern
prone to carrying out significant anti-American
demonstrations?
Response: There are ethnic or religious communities within
Switzerland that are capable of carrying out significant
anti-American demonstrations.
i. Have there been anti-American demonstrations in the
country within the last 12 months?
Response: Yes. There was one small Anti-American
demonstration carried out by local left wing groups
protesting U.S. role in the world economic crisis.
ii. Have anti-American demonstrations taken place near or in
front of U.S. diplomatic facilities?
Response: Yes. The demonstration mentioned above was at the
U.S. Embassy
iii. What is the average size of an anti-American
demonstration?
Response: 45-55
iv. Are anti-American demonstrations usually triggered by
U.S. Foreign policy initiatives, military actions, or by
domestic issues?
Response: Anti-American demonstrations can be triggered by
U.S foreign policy initiatives, military actions or domestic
issues such as the economic crisis.
B. Are demonstrations generally violent or peaceful?
Response: In general demonstrations are peaceful however the
one mentioned above involved the throwing of rocks and ice
and use of pyrotechnics (smoke bombs).
i. Have violent demonstrations resulted in damage to USG
property or injuries to USG employees?
Response: There have been no reports of damage to USG
property or injuries to USG employees during 2008.
ii. Have violent demonstrators ever penetrated your perimeter
security line?
Response: No.
C. Have any anti-government demonstrations taken place in the
country within the last 12 months?
Response: In 2008 there have been anti-government
demonstrations. Demonstrations have also targeted the United
Nations, to include other Missions, the World Trade
Organization, World Economic Forum, and other International
Organizations within Geneva. .
i. Have any anti-government demonstrations taken place near
or in front of U.S. diplomatic facilities?
Response: No.
ii. What is the average size of an anti-government
demonstration?
Response: The anti-Swiss government demonstrations have been
between 100 and 300 participants.
iii. Are demonstrations generally violent or peaceful?
Response: Demonstrations are normally peaceful, however there
are occasions when private property is damaged through
violence, vandalism, and graffiti.
iv. Have any demonstrations resulted in damage to USG
property?
Response: No.
3. (SBU) Macro Conflict Conditions:
A. Is the host country engaged in an interstate or intrastate
conflict?
Response: There are no known interstate or intrastate
conflicts within Switzerland/
4. (S/NF) Host Country Capabilities:
A. Are law enforcement agencies professional and well trained?
Response: Federal and local (Cantons Vaud and Geneva) police
authorities are trained and considered professional.
B. Have they been trained by U.S. agencies?
Response: Host Government law enforcement authorities are
not trained by the United States.
C. Are law enforcement agencies confronted with serious,
widespread corruption inside their agencies?
Response: The police and the legal system are considered to
be trustworthy and not subject to widespread corruption.
However the police report to be powerless against the
professional criminal and blame the judicial system for
tieing their hands.
D. Are the intelligence services professional and capable of
deterring terrorist actions?
Response: Swiss Intelligence Services are considered to be
professional, but staffed with only 300 people, their primary
mission deals with counterintelligence issues.
E. Have the intelligence services been cooperative with U.S.
Embassy requests for information and support?
Response: Swiss intelligence Services have been generally
cooperative in handling requests for information and support
but Swiss privacy laws are very strict and these laws
definitely affect the ease of gaining information.
F. Assuming there have been significant terrorist threats in
recent years, have host country security services been able
to score any major anti-terrorism successes?
Response: On February 28 2007, the 7 individuals who were
originally arrested by Swiss authorities for providing
logistical support for the Al-Qaeda terror network were all
acquitted in Swiss Federal court. There is currently no law
in Switzerland prohibiting membership in Al-Qaeda.
Swiss authorities cooperated with Italian officials in
arresting a Tunisian national for operating websites that
supported extremist Islamic groups. On June 21 2007, this
individual was sentenced to two years in prison (but with 18
months suspended sentence).
On June 20 2007, a Belgium female and her Tunisian husband -
who held a Swiss residency permit - received a light
suspended sentence for inciting hatred and jihad on the
internet. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Belgium without
serving their sentences.
In 2007, Swiss Parliament began the ratification process of
the Operative Working Agreement (OWA),which is supposed to
regulate cooperation for legal assistance between the US and
Switzerland in prosecuting terrorists. The OWA, which was
signed by law enforcement representatives of Switzerland and
the US in July 2006, has its origins in cooperative efforts
between Switzerland and the US since the September 11, 2001
terrorist attacks.
In July 2007, the Algerian, who was suspected of plotting an
attack on an Israeli airliner in Switzerland a year earlier,
was deported back to Algeria.
G. Has host country been responsive to U.S. Embassy requests
for protective security?
Response: The host country has been generally responsive to
requests for protective security. Several requests for
support have been declined and or are met with the very
minimum support level. The Swiss will not provide the
details of their support prior to the event, but assure the
Mission that it will be at the appropriate level. Several
cabinet members that receive U.S. security details are not
granted security details in Switzerland. Including the U.S.
Trade Representative and the National Security Advisor.
H. How does the Embassy assess the overall security at major
airports in the country.
Response: Overall security at Geneva's airport is considered
excellent.
I. How effective are customs and immigration control agencies?
Response: Swiss customs and immigration are somewhat
effective. The Swiss border guards are the armed service of
the federal guards that work at 91 fixed locations and in 35
mobile units along Switzerland's 1,881 kilometers of border.
With the Swiss government coming to an agreement with the EU
to participate in the Schengen visa program, the fixed border
locations are scheduled to be removed.
J. How effective are border patrol forces?
Response: Swiss border patrol forces are somewhat effective,
but are being eliminated in 2009.
5. (S) Indigenous Terrorism:
I. (S) Anti-American Terrorist Groups
A. Are there indigenous, anti-American terrorist groups
in-country?
Response: No.
B. Have groups carried out lethal anti-American attacks
within the last 12 months?
Response: No.
C. Were there any other anti-American attacks?
Response: No.
D. Have groups attacked U.S. Diplomatic targets?
Response: No.
E. Have groups attacked U.S. business, U.S. Military, or U.S.
related targets?
Response: No.
F. Have groups limited their attacks to specific regions or
do they operate country-wide?
Response: Not applicable.
G. If attacks are limited to regions, are there any U.S.
diplomatic facilities located in these regions?
Response: Not applicable.
II. (S) Other Indigenous Terrorist Groups
A. Are there other indigenous terrorist groups (not
anti-American) in-country?
Response: No.
B. Have groups carried out attacks in the capital or in areas
where U.S. diplomatic facilities are located?
Response: No.
C. Were attacks lethal and/or indiscriminate?
Response: Not applicable.
D. Have any Americans been killed or injured in these attacks?
Response: Not applicable.
5. (S) Transnational Terrorism
I. (S) Transnational Terrorist Indictors:
A. Are there any foreign terrorist groups that have a
presence in-country?
(S)Response:
Al-Qa'da associates (Owaiss network)
Al-Gama'at al-Islamiya (IG)
Ansa al Islem (AAI)
Libyan Islamic fighting group
Konga Eel
Hizballah
Asbat al-Ansar
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
Liberation Tigers Talil Elan (LTTE)
Popular Movement of Kosovo
Hamas
Islamic Salvation Front (Algeria) (FIS)
Armed Group of Algeria (GIA)
Al-Nahda variant en-Nahda
Front Islamique Tunisien (FIT)
Mujahedin e-Khalq (MEK) aka: People's Mujahedin of Iran
(PMOI) and Mujahedine - Khalq
Active Islamic Youth Organization
National Liberation Army of Columbia
Revolutionary Armed Force of Colombia (FARC)
B. How does post assess this presence? Is it an operational
cell? Financial cell? support cell? Propaganda cell?
Response: It is assessed that these groups provide logistical
and financial support and are involved in propaganda and
facilitation activity.
C. Is the host government sympathetic to these groups?
Response: The host government is not sympathetic to these
groups, but do not take aggressive action as compared to U.S.
law enforcement authorities.
D. Are there suspect non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in
the country that have a relationship with any of these groups?
Response:
Islamic Relief Organization,
Association de Secours Palestinien,
Ligue des Mussulams de Suisse.
E. Are there any ethnic or religious communities in-country
that are sympathetic to these groups?
Response: There are a small number of individuals (Libyan,
Tunisian, Bosnian, Moroccan, Palestinian, Algerian, Somali,
Sudanese) and some Muslims that are sympathetic to these
groups.
F. How does post assess the level, intent, and scope of
hostile intelligence services (Iran, Iraq, Syria, Servia,
Sudan, etc.) in-country relative to potential anti-American
terrorist acts?
Response: No information available.
G. How does post assess the availability of weapons and
explosives in-country or from nearby countries for hostile
terrorist elements?
Response: There is insufficient information available to make
a determination as to whether groups or organizations
maintain or have access to explosives in country.
CARTER
DEPT FOR DS/IP/ITA, DS/IP/EUR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/11/2019
TAGS: ASEC PTER SV
SUBJECT: BERN SEPQ MARCH 2009
REF: STATE 13023
Classified By: RSO BRIAN C. MURPHY FOR REASON 1.5d
1. (SBU) The following are responses to the Security
Environment Profile Questionnaire for political violence and
terrorism for the U.S. Embassy in Bern, and are keyed to
the reftel.
2. (SBU) Political Violence
--------------
I. (SBU) Demonstrations
A. Are there any ethnic or religious communities in Bern
prone to carrying out significant anti-American
demonstrations?
Response: There are ethnic or religious communities within
Switzerland that are capable of carrying out significant
anti-American demonstrations.
i. Have there been anti-American demonstrations in the
country within the last 12 months?
Response: Yes. There was one small Anti-American
demonstration carried out by local left wing groups
protesting U.S. role in the world economic crisis.
ii. Have anti-American demonstrations taken place near or in
front of U.S. diplomatic facilities?
Response: Yes. The demonstration mentioned above was at the
U.S. Embassy
iii. What is the average size of an anti-American
demonstration?
Response: 45-55
iv. Are anti-American demonstrations usually triggered by
U.S. Foreign policy initiatives, military actions, or by
domestic issues?
Response: Anti-American demonstrations can be triggered by
U.S foreign policy initiatives, military actions or domestic
issues such as the economic crisis.
B. Are demonstrations generally violent or peaceful?
Response: In general demonstrations are peaceful however the
one mentioned above involved the throwing of rocks and ice
and use of pyrotechnics (smoke bombs).
i. Have violent demonstrations resulted in damage to USG
property or injuries to USG employees?
Response: There have been no reports of damage to USG
property or injuries to USG employees during 2008.
ii. Have violent demonstrators ever penetrated your perimeter
security line?
Response: No.
C. Have any anti-government demonstrations taken place in the
country within the last 12 months?
Response: In 2008 there have been anti-government
demonstrations. Demonstrations have also targeted the United
Nations, to include other Missions, the World Trade
Organization, World Economic Forum, and other International
Organizations within Geneva. .
i. Have any anti-government demonstrations taken place near
or in front of U.S. diplomatic facilities?
Response: No.
ii. What is the average size of an anti-government
demonstration?
Response: The anti-Swiss government demonstrations have been
between 100 and 300 participants.
iii. Are demonstrations generally violent or peaceful?
Response: Demonstrations are normally peaceful, however there
are occasions when private property is damaged through
violence, vandalism, and graffiti.
iv. Have any demonstrations resulted in damage to USG
property?
Response: No.
3. (SBU) Macro Conflict Conditions:
A. Is the host country engaged in an interstate or intrastate
conflict?
Response: There are no known interstate or intrastate
conflicts within Switzerland/
4. (S/NF) Host Country Capabilities:
A. Are law enforcement agencies professional and well trained?
Response: Federal and local (Cantons Vaud and Geneva) police
authorities are trained and considered professional.
B. Have they been trained by U.S. agencies?
Response: Host Government law enforcement authorities are
not trained by the United States.
C. Are law enforcement agencies confronted with serious,
widespread corruption inside their agencies?
Response: The police and the legal system are considered to
be trustworthy and not subject to widespread corruption.
However the police report to be powerless against the
professional criminal and blame the judicial system for
tieing their hands.
D. Are the intelligence services professional and capable of
deterring terrorist actions?
Response: Swiss Intelligence Services are considered to be
professional, but staffed with only 300 people, their primary
mission deals with counterintelligence issues.
E. Have the intelligence services been cooperative with U.S.
Embassy requests for information and support?
Response: Swiss intelligence Services have been generally
cooperative in handling requests for information and support
but Swiss privacy laws are very strict and these laws
definitely affect the ease of gaining information.
F. Assuming there have been significant terrorist threats in
recent years, have host country security services been able
to score any major anti-terrorism successes?
Response: On February 28 2007, the 7 individuals who were
originally arrested by Swiss authorities for providing
logistical support for the Al-Qaeda terror network were all
acquitted in Swiss Federal court. There is currently no law
in Switzerland prohibiting membership in Al-Qaeda.
Swiss authorities cooperated with Italian officials in
arresting a Tunisian national for operating websites that
supported extremist Islamic groups. On June 21 2007, this
individual was sentenced to two years in prison (but with 18
months suspended sentence).
On June 20 2007, a Belgium female and her Tunisian husband -
who held a Swiss residency permit - received a light
suspended sentence for inciting hatred and jihad on the
internet. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Belgium without
serving their sentences.
In 2007, Swiss Parliament began the ratification process of
the Operative Working Agreement (OWA),which is supposed to
regulate cooperation for legal assistance between the US and
Switzerland in prosecuting terrorists. The OWA, which was
signed by law enforcement representatives of Switzerland and
the US in July 2006, has its origins in cooperative efforts
between Switzerland and the US since the September 11, 2001
terrorist attacks.
In July 2007, the Algerian, who was suspected of plotting an
attack on an Israeli airliner in Switzerland a year earlier,
was deported back to Algeria.
G. Has host country been responsive to U.S. Embassy requests
for protective security?
Response: The host country has been generally responsive to
requests for protective security. Several requests for
support have been declined and or are met with the very
minimum support level. The Swiss will not provide the
details of their support prior to the event, but assure the
Mission that it will be at the appropriate level. Several
cabinet members that receive U.S. security details are not
granted security details in Switzerland. Including the U.S.
Trade Representative and the National Security Advisor.
H. How does the Embassy assess the overall security at major
airports in the country.
Response: Overall security at Geneva's airport is considered
excellent.
I. How effective are customs and immigration control agencies?
Response: Swiss customs and immigration are somewhat
effective. The Swiss border guards are the armed service of
the federal guards that work at 91 fixed locations and in 35
mobile units along Switzerland's 1,881 kilometers of border.
With the Swiss government coming to an agreement with the EU
to participate in the Schengen visa program, the fixed border
locations are scheduled to be removed.
J. How effective are border patrol forces?
Response: Swiss border patrol forces are somewhat effective,
but are being eliminated in 2009.
5. (S) Indigenous Terrorism:
I. (S) Anti-American Terrorist Groups
A. Are there indigenous, anti-American terrorist groups
in-country?
Response: No.
B. Have groups carried out lethal anti-American attacks
within the last 12 months?
Response: No.
C. Were there any other anti-American attacks?
Response: No.
D. Have groups attacked U.S. Diplomatic targets?
Response: No.
E. Have groups attacked U.S. business, U.S. Military, or U.S.
related targets?
Response: No.
F. Have groups limited their attacks to specific regions or
do they operate country-wide?
Response: Not applicable.
G. If attacks are limited to regions, are there any U.S.
diplomatic facilities located in these regions?
Response: Not applicable.
II. (S) Other Indigenous Terrorist Groups
A. Are there other indigenous terrorist groups (not
anti-American) in-country?
Response: No.
B. Have groups carried out attacks in the capital or in areas
where U.S. diplomatic facilities are located?
Response: No.
C. Were attacks lethal and/or indiscriminate?
Response: Not applicable.
D. Have any Americans been killed or injured in these attacks?
Response: Not applicable.
5. (S) Transnational Terrorism
I. (S) Transnational Terrorist Indictors:
A. Are there any foreign terrorist groups that have a
presence in-country?
(S)Response:
Al-Qa'da associates (Owaiss network)
Al-Gama'at al-Islamiya (IG)
Ansa al Islem (AAI)
Libyan Islamic fighting group
Konga Eel
Hizballah
Asbat al-Ansar
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
Liberation Tigers Talil Elan (LTTE)
Popular Movement of Kosovo
Hamas
Islamic Salvation Front (Algeria) (FIS)
Armed Group of Algeria (GIA)
Al-Nahda variant en-Nahda
Front Islamique Tunisien (FIT)
Mujahedin e-Khalq (MEK) aka: People's Mujahedin of Iran
(PMOI) and Mujahedine - Khalq
Active Islamic Youth Organization
National Liberation Army of Columbia
Revolutionary Armed Force of Colombia (FARC)
B. How does post assess this presence? Is it an operational
cell? Financial cell? support cell? Propaganda cell?
Response: It is assessed that these groups provide logistical
and financial support and are involved in propaganda and
facilitation activity.
C. Is the host government sympathetic to these groups?
Response: The host government is not sympathetic to these
groups, but do not take aggressive action as compared to U.S.
law enforcement authorities.
D. Are there suspect non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in
the country that have a relationship with any of these groups?
Response:
Islamic Relief Organization,
Association de Secours Palestinien,
Ligue des Mussulams de Suisse.
E. Are there any ethnic or religious communities in-country
that are sympathetic to these groups?
Response: There are a small number of individuals (Libyan,
Tunisian, Bosnian, Moroccan, Palestinian, Algerian, Somali,
Sudanese) and some Muslims that are sympathetic to these
groups.
F. How does post assess the level, intent, and scope of
hostile intelligence services (Iran, Iraq, Syria, Servia,
Sudan, etc.) in-country relative to potential anti-American
terrorist acts?
Response: No information available.
G. How does post assess the availability of weapons and
explosives in-country or from nearby countries for hostile
terrorist elements?
Response: There is insufficient information available to make
a determination as to whether groups or organizations
maintain or have access to explosives in country.
CARTER