SWITZERLAND: RESPONSE TO REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L BERN 000214


WHA/CCA FOR G.ZAMBRANO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/12/2019
TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU SZ
SUBJECT: SWITZERLAND: RESPONSE TO REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF
TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD ACT

REF: STATE 48487


Classified By: Political/Economic Counselor Richard Rorvig for reasons
1.4(b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary and Comment: Post assesses that the Swiss
government has worked to promote the advancement of democracy
and human rights in Cuba, having made those key features of a
bilateral dialogue with the Cuban government that began in
January 2006. A decision not to renew Title III suspension
for Switzerland would cause a Swiss public backlash and
undermine Bern's role as Protecting Power for the United
States. Post believes that renewing Title III suspension for
Switzerland is in the interest of the United States. End
Summary and Comment.

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Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights in Cuba
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2. (C) As part of a bilateral Swiss-Cuban political
dialogue that began in January 2006, the Swiss regularly
raise democracy and human rights issues in Cuba with Cuban
authorities. The Swiss Federal Office for Foreign Affairs
(EDA) informed post that the last such Swiss-Cuban
discussions were held in October in Bern, at the Under
Secretary level. According to EDA, the Swiss again used this
opportunity to emphasize democracy and human rights in Cuba.
According to EDA, the next annual meeting to be held in Cuba
has not yet been scheduled for 2009.

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High-Level Diplomatic Visits?
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3. (SBU) Per paragraph 2, a Cuban delegation visited Bern
in October for bilateral political discussions at the Under
Secretary level.

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Humanitarian Assistance
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4. (U) The Swiss government Agency for Development and
Cooperation (SDC) provided assistance in the wake of
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, delivering goods needed for daily
life to Cubans whose houses and food supplies were destroyed
or damaged. The SDC also provided seeds to Cuban farmers in
preparation for the next planting season.

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Nature of Investment in Cuba
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5. (U) Switzerland imported approximately $23.4 million in
goods from Cuba in 2008. The majority of these imports were
agriculture products, including tobacco (81%),beverages
(9%),and preserved foods (4%). The Swiss exported
approximately $18.1 million in goods to Cuba, including
pharmaceuticals (33%) and machinery (27%). Swiss direct
investment in Cuba is described by Swiss officials as minimal
(there are no public statistics). Total Swiss government
development and humanitarian assistance to Cuba was budgeted
at approximately $3 million for 2009. Actual Swiss assistance
provided to Cuba in 2008 was $3.9 million. Nearly all of
this aid is for medical care, food security, and humanitarian
relief.

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Bilateral Trade Agreements
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6. (U) Switzerland and Cuba signed a bilateral trade
agreement in 1952. The two countries signed a bilateral
investment treaty in 1996.

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Exchange Program
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7. (U) Post knows of no government-sponsored exchange
programs with Cuba.

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Comment
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8. (C) Post assesses that the Swiss government has worked
to promote the advancement of democracy and human rights in
Cuba, having made those issues key features of its bilateral
dialogue with the Cuban government. Moreover, the Swiss
Embassy in Havana acts as Protecting Power for the U.S.
Interests Section there. Senior Swiss officials continue to
emphasize to Post Switzerland's commitment to fulfilling this
role, notwithstanding the recalcitrance of the Cuban
government. A decision not to renew Title III suspension for
Switzerland would cause a Swiss public backlash and undermine
Bern's role as Protecting Power for the U.S. Post believes
that renewing Title III suspension for Switzerland is in the
interest of the United States.


CARTER