Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BERN260
2009-06-23 10:45:00
SECRET
Embassy Bern
Cable title:
GUANTANAMO CLOSURE: SWISS EAGER TO MOVE ON \
how-toO 231045Z JUN 09 FM AMEMBASSY BERN TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5907 INFO DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
2009-06-23 10:45:00 2009-06-23 10:45:00 09BERN260 Embassy Bern SECRET 09BERN186 O 231045Z JUN 09\
FM AMEMBASSY BERN\
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5907\
INFO DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
S E C R E T BERN 000260 \
\
\
DEPT FOR S/GC (AMBASSADOR FRIED) AND EUR/CE (Y.SAINT-ANDRE) \
\
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2029 \
TAGS: KAWC PHUM PREL PTER SZ
SUBJECT: GUANTANAMO CLOSURE: SWISS EAGER TO MOVE ON \
RESETTLEMENT CASES, BUT NEED MORE INFORMATION \
\
REF: A. BERN 186 \
B. BUCK-RICCI E-MAIL (19JUN09) \
\
Classified By: CDA Leigh G. Carter; reasons 1.4(b) and (d). \
\
2009-06-23 10:45:00 2009-06-23 10:45:00 09BERN260 Embassy Bern SECRET 09BERN186 O 231045Z JUN 09\
FM AMEMBASSY BERN\
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5907\
INFO DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
S E C R E T BERN 000260 \
\
\
DEPT FOR S/GC (AMBASSADOR FRIED) AND EUR/CE (Y.SAINT-ANDRE) \
\
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2029 \
TAGS: KAWC PHUM PREL PTER SZ
SUBJECT: GUANTANAMO CLOSURE: SWISS EAGER TO MOVE ON \
RESETTLEMENT CASES, BUT NEED MORE INFORMATION \
\
REF: A. BERN 186 \
B. BUCK-RICCI E-MAIL (19JUN09) \
\
Classified By: CDA Leigh G. Carter; reasons 1.4(b) and (d). \
\
1. (S) Summary: Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure Dan \
Fried discussed prospective Guantanamo detainee resettlement \
cases on June 19 with Michael Ambuehl, State Secretary \
(Deputy Minister) of the Federal Department of Foreign \
Affairs (FDFA). Referring to the case files that the GoS \
already has received from the USG (ref B),Fried asked that \
Switzerland focus its consideration particularly on cases \
ISN-277 and ISN-103, two Uighur brothers that the USG \
believes should be resettled together. Ambuehl emphasized \
that the GoS is "committed to taking some detainees," and \
wants to move ahead, but needs some additional information \
(per para 6 below) on the individuals it is considering \
before decisions can be made. Fried assured Ambuehl that the \
USG would work on providing information. Ambuehl said it \
would be very useful if this additional information could be \
provided the week of June 22. End Summary. \
\
2. (SBU) Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure Dan Fried \
discussed prospective Guantanamo detainee resettlement cases \
on June 19 with Michael Ambuehl, State Secretary (Deputy \
Minister) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs \
(FDFA). Ambuehl was joined in the meeting by Ambassador \
Yvonne Baumann, Head of the FDFA's Americas Division; \
Ambassador Marion Weichelt, Deputy FDFA Legal Advisor; Daniel \
Hunn, Deputy Head of the FDFA's Americas Division; and Michel \
Besson, Justice Ministry representative and deputy head of \
the Swiss interagency working group that is reviewing \
prospective resettlement cases. \
\
3. (S) SE Fried provided Ambuehl an overview of current USG \
efforts to resettle in third countries Guantanamo detainees \
identified for release who cannot return to their countries \
of origin, due to humanitarian concerns. Referring to the \
case files that the GoS already has received from the USG \
(ref B),Fried asked that Switzerland focus its consideration \
particularly on cases ISN-277 and ISN-103, two Uighur \
brothers that the USG believes should be resettled together. \
Fried explained that resettlement in Palau is a poor option \
for ISN-103, who suffers from some psychological problems \
that will require appropriate care. He noted that \
Switzerland is well suited to assist a person in this \
condition and would offer a good option for resettlement in \
the context of a joint resettlement with ISN-277. Fried also \
asked the GoS to continue to consider ISN-519 (Palestinian) \
and ISN-455 (Uzbek) for resettlement. \
\
4. (S) Ambuehl emphasized that the GoS is "committed to \
taking some detainees," and wants to move ahead, but needs \
some additional information on the individuals it is \
considering before decisions can be made. He said that the \
GoS had, in fact, initially hoped to be the first government \
to accept former Guantanamo detainees for resettlement after \
the Administration's decision to close the facility, but was \
not able to accomplish that "because we (the GoS) are very \
thorough" in reviewing the cases. Ambuehl remarked that, \
from an internal security perspective, the Uighurs seemed to \
present the most promising cases. On the other hand, he \
observed that the Chinese are lobbying heavily against anyone \
accepting Uighurs for resettlement. More broadly, Ambuehl \
commented that the general European public view of the \
resettlement issues is that the USG should "fix its own \
problem." In this context, he referred to recent U.S. \
Congressional efforts to prohibit the resettlement of former \
detainees in the United States as particularly unhelpful. SE \
Fried emphasized that the U.S. Administration is continuing \
to work on this issue with the Congress. \
\
5. (S) Ambassador Weichelt, who is the senior FDFA \
point-of-contact on the resettlement issue, reiterated that \
the GoS needs additional details on the individuals under \
review. She underlined that the GoS will be "sensible" in \
its expectations regarding additional information, but needs \
at least to have the basic comprehensive information in order \
to convince the Swiss cantonal (state) officials that the \
matter has been properly vetted. (Note: The cantons have \
primary responsibility for migration and social services \
issues, so at least one Swiss canton would have to agree to \
receive a former detainee for any resettlement to occur. End \
Note) Weichelt added that complete information also is \
important in Swiss domestic political terms, since the GoS \
needs to be able to convince the Swiss public that such a \
resettlement is not too risky after years of being told that \
Guantanamo detainees are very dangerous. \
\
6. (S) MOJ representative Besson further clarified what \
additional information is needed on the individuals in \
question for the Swiss interagency working group to complete \
its review: \
\
-- Identifying Data: at a minimum, fingerprints and photos; \
-- Explanation of Legal Status: charged or convicted of any \
crimes? \
-- USG Risk Evaluation: low, medium, or high risk? \
-- Relatives/Family Members Information; \
-- Medical Information; \
\
7. (S) Fried assured Ambuehl that the USG would work on \
providing information in all of these categories, as \
requested. In light of the June 15 EU/Schengen announcement \
regarding Guantanamo closure and resettlements, Fried added \
that, as the GoS got closer to a decision to resettle a given \
individual, the USG would assist Switzerland's consultations \
with its Schengen partners by providing case information that \
could be shared with them. Fried reminded Ambuehl and the \
other Swiss officials that the case information provided thus \
far to the GoS is "releasable to Switzerland only," and thus \
is not to be shared with other governments. Fried offered to \
facilitate a trip by a GoS team to Guantanamo to interview \
the individuals under consideration. Weichelt said that the \
GoS would first want to review the additional information \
before sending a team to Guantanamo. Ambuehl said it would \
be very useful if this additional information could be \
provided the week of June 22, adding that he could dispatch a \
team to Guantanamo the following week. \
\
8. (S) Regarding how to respond to media queries regarding \
Fried's visit and discussions, Ambuehl agreed that it was \
fine to acknowledge the fact of the visit, but asked that USG \
officials not go into further details at this point, and \
especially not to mention the fact that the GoS is \
considering Uighurs -- otherwise, per Ambuehl, "I'll have the \
Chinese ambassador standing in my office by the afternoon." \
Fried agreed to this approach. \
\
\
CARTER \ Embassy Bern SECRET 09BERN186 O 231045Z JUN 09\
FM AMEMBASSY BERN\
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5907\
INFO DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
S E C R E T BERN 000260 \
\
\
DEPT FOR S/GC (AMBASSADOR FRIED) AND EUR/CE (Y.SAINT-ANDRE) \
\
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2029 \
TAGS: KAWC PHUM PREL PTER SZ
SUBJECT: GUANTANAMO CLOSURE: SWISS EAGER TO MOVE ON \
RESETTLEMENT CASES, BUT NEED MORE INFORMATION \
\
REF: A. BERN 186 \
B. BUCK-RICCI E-MAIL (19JUN09) \
\
Classified By: CDA Leigh G. Carter; reasons 1.4(b) and (d). \
\
1. (S) Summary: Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure Dan \
Fried discussed prospective Guantanamo detainee resettlement \
cases on June 19 with Michael Ambuehl, State Secretary \
(Deputy Minister) of the Federal Department of Foreign \
Affairs (FDFA). Referring to the case files that the GoS \
already has received from the USG (ref B),Fried asked that \
Switzerland focus its consideration particularly on cases \
ISN-277 and ISN-103, two Uighur brothers that the USG \
believes should be resettled together. Ambuehl emphasized \
that the GoS is "committed to taking some detainees," and \
wants to move ahead, but needs some additional information \
(per para 6 below) on the individuals it is considering \
before decisions can be made. Fried assured Ambuehl that the \
USG would work on providing information. Ambuehl said it \
would be very useful if this additional information could be \
provided the week of June 22. End Summary. \
\
2. (SBU) Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure Dan Fried \
discussed prospective Guantanamo detainee resettlement cases \
on June 19 with Michael Ambuehl, State Secretary (Deputy \
Minister) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs \
(FDFA). Ambuehl was joined in the meeting by Ambassador \
Yvonne Baumann, Head of the FDFA's Americas Division; \
Ambassador Marion Weichelt, Deputy FDFA Legal Advisor; Daniel \
Hunn, Deputy Head of the FDFA's Americas Division; and Michel \
Besson, Justice Ministry representative and deputy head of \
the Swiss interagency working group that is reviewing \
prospective resettlement cases. \
\
3. (S) SE Fried provided Ambuehl an overview of current USG \
efforts to resettle in third countries Guantanamo detainees \
identified for release who cannot return to their countries \
of origin, due to humanitarian concerns. Referring to the \
case files that the GoS already has received from the USG \
(ref B),Fried asked that Switzerland focus its consideration \
particularly on cases ISN-277 and ISN-103, two Uighur \
brothers that the USG believes should be resettled together. \
Fried explained that resettlement in Palau is a poor option \
for ISN-103, who suffers from some psychological problems \
that will require appropriate care. He noted that \
Switzerland is well suited to assist a person in this \
condition and would offer a good option for resettlement in \
the context of a joint resettlement with ISN-277. Fried also \
asked the GoS to continue to consider ISN-519 (Palestinian) \
and ISN-455 (Uzbek) for resettlement. \
\
4. (S) Ambuehl emphasized that the GoS is "committed to \
taking some detainees," and wants to move ahead, but needs \
some additional information on the individuals it is \
considering before decisions can be made. He said that the \
GoS had, in fact, initially hoped to be the first government \
to accept former Guantanamo detainees for resettlement after \
the Administration's decision to close the facility, but was \
not able to accomplish that "because we (the GoS) are very \
thorough" in reviewing the cases. Ambuehl remarked that, \
from an internal security perspective, the Uighurs seemed to \
present the most promising cases. On the other hand, he \
observed that the Chinese are lobbying heavily against anyone \
accepting Uighurs for resettlement. More broadly, Ambuehl \
commented that the general European public view of the \
resettlement issues is that the USG should "fix its own \
problem." In this context, he referred to recent U.S. \
Congressional efforts to prohibit the resettlement of former \
detainees in the United States as particularly unhelpful. SE \
Fried emphasized that the U.S. Administration is continuing \
to work on this issue with the Congress. \
\
5. (S) Ambassador Weichelt, who is the senior FDFA \
point-of-contact on the resettlement issue, reiterated that \
the GoS needs additional details on the individuals under \
review. She underlined that the GoS will be "sensible" in \
its expectations regarding additional information, but needs \
at least to have the basic comprehensive information in order \
to convince the Swiss cantonal (state) officials that the \
matter has been properly vetted. (Note: The cantons have \
primary responsibility for migration and social services \
issues, so at least one Swiss canton would have to agree to \
receive a former detainee for any resettlement to occur. End \
Note) Weichelt added that complete information also is \
important in Swiss domestic political terms, since the GoS \
needs to be able to convince the Swiss public that such a \
resettlement is not too risky after years of being told that \
Guantanamo detainees are very dangerous. \
\
6. (S) MOJ representative Besson further clarified what \
additional information is needed on the individuals in \
question for the Swiss interagency working group to complete \
its review: \
\
-- Identifying Data: at a minimum, fingerprints and photos; \
-- Explanation of Legal Status: charged or convicted of any \
crimes? \
-- USG Risk Evaluation: low, medium, or high risk? \
-- Relatives/Family Members Information; \
-- Medical Information; \
\
7. (S) Fried assured Ambuehl that the USG would work on \
providing information in all of these categories, as \
requested. In light of the June 15 EU/Schengen announcement \
regarding Guantanamo closure and resettlements, Fried added \
that, as the GoS got closer to a decision to resettle a given \
individual, the USG would assist Switzerland's consultations \
with its Schengen partners by providing case information that \
could be shared with them. Fried reminded Ambuehl and the \
other Swiss officials that the case information provided thus \
far to the GoS is "releasable to Switzerland only," and thus \
is not to be shared with other governments. Fried offered to \
facilitate a trip by a GoS team to Guantanamo to interview \
the individuals under consideration. Weichelt said that the \
GoS would first want to review the additional information \
before sending a team to Guantanamo. Ambuehl said it would \
be very useful if this additional information could be \
provided the week of June 22, adding that he could dispatch a \
team to Guantanamo the following week. \
\
8. (S) Regarding how to respond to media queries regarding \
Fried's visit and discussions, Ambuehl agreed that it was \
fine to acknowledge the fact of the visit, but asked that USG \
officials not go into further details at this point, and \
especially not to mention the fact that the GoS is \
considering Uighurs -- otherwise, per Ambuehl, "I'll have the \
Chinese ambassador standing in my office by the afternoon." \
Fried agreed to this approach. \
\
\
CARTER \
FM AMEMBASSY BERN\
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5907\
INFO DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
S E C R E T BERN 000260 \
\
\
DEPT FOR S/GC (AMBASSADOR FRIED) AND EUR/CE (Y.SAINT-ANDRE) \
\
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2029 \
TAGS: KAWC PHUM PREL PTER SZ
SUBJECT: GUANTANAMO CLOSURE: SWISS EAGER TO MOVE ON \
RESETTLEMENT CASES, BUT NEED MORE INFORMATION \
\
REF: A. BERN 186 \
B. BUCK-RICCI E-MAIL (19JUN09) \
\
Classified By: CDA Leigh G. Carter; reasons 1.4(b) and (d). \
\
1. (S) Summary: Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure Dan \
Fried discussed prospective Guantanamo detainee resettlement \
cases on June 19 with Michael Ambuehl, State Secretary \
(Deputy Minister) of the Federal Department of Foreign \
Affairs (FDFA). Referring to the case files that the GoS \
already has received from the USG (ref B),Fried asked that \
Switzerland focus its consideration particularly on cases \
ISN-277 and ISN-103, two Uighur brothers that the USG \
believes should be resettled together. Ambuehl emphasized \
that the GoS is "committed to taking some detainees," and \
wants to move ahead, but needs some additional information \
(per para 6 below) on the individuals it is considering \
before decisions can be made. Fried assured Ambuehl that the \
USG would work on providing information. Ambuehl said it \
would be very useful if this additional information could be \
provided the week of June 22. End Summary. \
\
2. (SBU) Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure Dan Fried \
discussed prospective Guantanamo detainee resettlement cases \
on June 19 with Michael Ambuehl, State Secretary (Deputy \
Minister) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs \
(FDFA). Ambuehl was joined in the meeting by Ambassador \
Yvonne Baumann, Head of the FDFA's Americas Division; \
Ambassador Marion Weichelt, Deputy FDFA Legal Advisor; Daniel \
Hunn, Deputy Head of the FDFA's Americas Division; and Michel \
Besson, Justice Ministry representative and deputy head of \
the Swiss interagency working group that is reviewing \
prospective resettlement cases. \
\
3. (S) SE Fried provided Ambuehl an overview of current USG \
efforts to resettle in third countries Guantanamo detainees \
identified for release who cannot return to their countries \
of origin, due to humanitarian concerns. Referring to the \
case files that the GoS already has received from the USG \
(ref B),Fried asked that Switzerland focus its consideration \
particularly on cases ISN-277 and ISN-103, two Uighur \
brothers that the USG believes should be resettled together. \
Fried explained that resettlement in Palau is a poor option \
for ISN-103, who suffers from some psychological problems \
that will require appropriate care. He noted that \
Switzerland is well suited to assist a person in this \
condition and would offer a good option for resettlement in \
the context of a joint resettlement with ISN-277. Fried also \
asked the GoS to continue to consider ISN-519 (Palestinian) \
and ISN-455 (Uzbek) for resettlement. \
\
4. (S) Ambuehl emphasized that the GoS is "committed to \
taking some detainees," and wants to move ahead, but needs \
some additional information on the individuals it is \
considering before decisions can be made. He said that the \
GoS had, in fact, initially hoped to be the first government \
to accept former Guantanamo detainees for resettlement after \
the Administration's decision to close the facility, but was \
not able to accomplish that "because we (the GoS) are very \
thorough" in reviewing the cases. Ambuehl remarked that, \
from an internal security perspective, the Uighurs seemed to \
present the most promising cases. On the other hand, he \
observed that the Chinese are lobbying heavily against anyone \
accepting Uighurs for resettlement. More broadly, Ambuehl \
commented that the general European public view of the \
resettlement issues is that the USG should "fix its own \
problem." In this context, he referred to recent U.S. \
Congressional efforts to prohibit the resettlement of former \
detainees in the United States as particularly unhelpful. SE \
Fried emphasized that the U.S. Administration is continuing \
to work on this issue with the Congress. \
\
5. (S) Ambassador Weichelt, who is the senior FDFA \
point-of-contact on the resettlement issue, reiterated that \
the GoS needs additional details on the individuals under \
review. She underlined that the GoS will be "sensible" in \
its expectations regarding additional information, but needs \
at least to have the basic comprehensive information in order \
to convince the Swiss cantonal (state) officials that the \
matter has been properly vetted. (Note: The cantons have \
primary responsibility for migration and social services \
issues, so at least one Swiss canton would have to agree to \
receive a former detainee for any resettlement to occur. End \
Note) Weichelt added that complete information also is \
important in Swiss domestic political terms, since the GoS \
needs to be able to convince the Swiss public that such a \
resettlement is not too risky after years of being told that \
Guantanamo detainees are very dangerous. \
\
6. (S) MOJ representative Besson further clarified what \
additional information is needed on the individuals in \
question for the Swiss interagency working group to complete \
its review: \
\
-- Identifying Data: at a minimum, fingerprints and photos; \
-- Explanation of Legal Status: charged or convicted of any \
crimes? \
-- USG Risk Evaluation: low, medium, or high risk? \
-- Relatives/Family Members Information; \
-- Medical Information; \
\
7. (S) Fried assured Ambuehl that the USG would work on \
providing information in all of these categories, as \
requested. In light of the June 15 EU/Schengen announcement \
regarding Guantanamo closure and resettlements, Fried added \
that, as the GoS got closer to a decision to resettle a given \
individual, the USG would assist Switzerland's consultations \
with its Schengen partners by providing case information that \
could be shared with them. Fried reminded Ambuehl and the \
other Swiss officials that the case information provided thus \
far to the GoS is "releasable to Switzerland only," and thus \
is not to be shared with other governments. Fried offered to \
facilitate a trip by a GoS team to Guantanamo to interview \
the individuals under consideration. Weichelt said that the \
GoS would first want to review the additional information \
before sending a team to Guantanamo. Ambuehl said it would \
be very useful if this additional information could be \
provided the week of June 22, adding that he could dispatch a \
team to Guantanamo the following week. \
\
8. (S) Regarding how to respond to media queries regarding \
Fried's visit and discussions, Ambuehl agreed that it was \
fine to acknowledge the fact of the visit, but asked that USG \
officials not go into further details at this point, and \
especially not to mention the fact that the GoS is \
considering Uighurs -- otherwise, per Ambuehl, "I'll have the \
Chinese ambassador standing in my office by the afternoon." \
Fried agreed to this approach. \
\
\
CARTER \ Embassy Bern SECRET 09BERN186 O 231045Z JUN 09\
FM AMEMBASSY BERN\
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5907\
INFO DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
S E C R E T BERN 000260 \
\
\
DEPT FOR S/GC (AMBASSADOR FRIED) AND EUR/CE (Y.SAINT-ANDRE) \
\
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2029 \
TAGS: KAWC PHUM PREL PTER SZ
SUBJECT: GUANTANAMO CLOSURE: SWISS EAGER TO MOVE ON \
RESETTLEMENT CASES, BUT NEED MORE INFORMATION \
\
REF: A. BERN 186 \
B. BUCK-RICCI E-MAIL (19JUN09) \
\
Classified By: CDA Leigh G. Carter; reasons 1.4(b) and (d). \
\
1. (S) Summary: Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure Dan \
Fried discussed prospective Guantanamo detainee resettlement \
cases on June 19 with Michael Ambuehl, State Secretary \
(Deputy Minister) of the Federal Department of Foreign \
Affairs (FDFA). Referring to the case files that the GoS \
already has received from the USG (ref B),Fried asked that \
Switzerland focus its consideration particularly on cases \
ISN-277 and ISN-103, two Uighur brothers that the USG \
believes should be resettled together. Ambuehl emphasized \
that the GoS is "committed to taking some detainees," and \
wants to move ahead, but needs some additional information \
(per para 6 below) on the individuals it is considering \
before decisions can be made. Fried assured Ambuehl that the \
USG would work on providing information. Ambuehl said it \
would be very useful if this additional information could be \
provided the week of June 22. End Summary. \
\
2. (SBU) Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure Dan Fried \
discussed prospective Guantanamo detainee resettlement cases \
on June 19 with Michael Ambuehl, State Secretary (Deputy \
Minister) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs \
(FDFA). Ambuehl was joined in the meeting by Ambassador \
Yvonne Baumann, Head of the FDFA's Americas Division; \
Ambassador Marion Weichelt, Deputy FDFA Legal Advisor; Daniel \
Hunn, Deputy Head of the FDFA's Americas Division; and Michel \
Besson, Justice Ministry representative and deputy head of \
the Swiss interagency working group that is reviewing \
prospective resettlement cases. \
\
3. (S) SE Fried provided Ambuehl an overview of current USG \
efforts to resettle in third countries Guantanamo detainees \
identified for release who cannot return to their countries \
of origin, due to humanitarian concerns. Referring to the \
case files that the GoS already has received from the USG \
(ref B),Fried asked that Switzerland focus its consideration \
particularly on cases ISN-277 and ISN-103, two Uighur \
brothers that the USG believes should be resettled together. \
Fried explained that resettlement in Palau is a poor option \
for ISN-103, who suffers from some psychological problems \
that will require appropriate care. He noted that \
Switzerland is well suited to assist a person in this \
condition and would offer a good option for resettlement in \
the context of a joint resettlement with ISN-277. Fried also \
asked the GoS to continue to consider ISN-519 (Palestinian) \
and ISN-455 (Uzbek) for resettlement. \
\
4. (S) Ambuehl emphasized that the GoS is "committed to \
taking some detainees," and wants to move ahead, but needs \
some additional information on the individuals it is \
considering before decisions can be made. He said that the \
GoS had, in fact, initially hoped to be the first government \
to accept former Guantanamo detainees for resettlement after \
the Administration's decision to close the facility, but was \
not able to accomplish that "because we (the GoS) are very \
thorough" in reviewing the cases. Ambuehl remarked that, \
from an internal security perspective, the Uighurs seemed to \
present the most promising cases. On the other hand, he \
observed that the Chinese are lobbying heavily against anyone \
accepting Uighurs for resettlement. More broadly, Ambuehl \
commented that the general European public view of the \
resettlement issues is that the USG should "fix its own \
problem." In this context, he referred to recent U.S. \
Congressional efforts to prohibit the resettlement of former \
detainees in the United States as particularly unhelpful. SE \
Fried emphasized that the U.S. Administration is continuing \
to work on this issue with the Congress. \
\
5. (S) Ambassador Weichelt, who is the senior FDFA \
point-of-contact on the resettlement issue, reiterated that \
the GoS needs additional details on the individuals under \
review. She underlined that the GoS will be "sensible" in \
its expectations regarding additional information, but needs \
at least to have the basic comprehensive information in order \
to convince the Swiss cantonal (state) officials that the \
matter has been properly vetted. (Note: The cantons have \
primary responsibility for migration and social services \
issues, so at least one Swiss canton would have to agree to \
receive a former detainee for any resettlement to occur. End \
Note) Weichelt added that complete information also is \
important in Swiss domestic political terms, since the GoS \
needs to be able to convince the Swiss public that such a \
resettlement is not too risky after years of being told that \
Guantanamo detainees are very dangerous. \
\
6. (S) MOJ representative Besson further clarified what \
additional information is needed on the individuals in \
question for the Swiss interagency working group to complete \
its review: \
\
-- Identifying Data: at a minimum, fingerprints and photos; \
-- Explanation of Legal Status: charged or convicted of any \
crimes? \
-- USG Risk Evaluation: low, medium, or high risk? \
-- Relatives/Family Members Information; \
-- Medical Information; \
\
7. (S) Fried assured Ambuehl that the USG would work on \
providing information in all of these categories, as \
requested. In light of the June 15 EU/Schengen announcement \
regarding Guantanamo closure and resettlements, Fried added \
that, as the GoS got closer to a decision to resettle a given \
individual, the USG would assist Switzerland's consultations \
with its Schengen partners by providing case information that \
could be shared with them. Fried reminded Ambuehl and the \
other Swiss officials that the case information provided thus \
far to the GoS is "releasable to Switzerland only," and thus \
is not to be shared with other governments. Fried offered to \
facilitate a trip by a GoS team to Guantanamo to interview \
the individuals under consideration. Weichelt said that the \
GoS would first want to review the additional information \
before sending a team to Guantanamo. Ambuehl said it would \
be very useful if this additional information could be \
provided the week of June 22, adding that he could dispatch a \
team to Guantanamo the following week. \
\
8. (S) Regarding how to respond to media queries regarding \
Fried's visit and discussions, Ambuehl agreed that it was \
fine to acknowledge the fact of the visit, but asked that USG \
officials not go into further details at this point, and \
especially not to mention the fact that the GoS is \
considering Uighurs -- otherwise, per Ambuehl, "I'll have the \
Chinese ambassador standing in my office by the afternoon." \
Fried agreed to this approach. \
\
\
CARTER \