SWITZERLAND EXPECTS TO ATTEND G-8 BMENA FORUM FOR

UNCLAS BERN 000341 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/PI (A.B.ALLARD) AND EUR/CE (Y.SAINT-ANDRE) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON PREL KMPI KPAO KDEM SZ SUBJECT: SWITZERLAND EXPECTS TO ATTEND G-8 BMENA FORUM FOR THE FUTURE AND PREPARATORY ACTIVITIES REF: STATE 82753 ¶1. (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel message on August 14 to Rascha Osman, Deputy Regional Coordinator for the Middle East at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Osman reiterated Switzerland's support for the BMENA Forum for the Future (FfF) and confirmed that the GoS will participate in the FfF and preparatory workshops. She said that Swiss participation in Marrakech probably will be at the deputy minister level, noting that FDFA State Secretary Michael Ambuehl (deputy to FM Calmy-Rey) already has the November meeting on his schedule. Osman commented that participation in past FfF meetings generally had been at the deputy minister level. She said that Swiss participation in the preparatory workshops most likely would be via representatives from the corresponding Swiss embassies, due to FDFA budgetary and staff constraints. ¶2. (SBU) Osman asked about the level of USG representation at the FfF. Poloff deployed reftel para 4 guidance. Osman remarked that the FDFA staff still planned to consult with FM Calmy-Rey regarding whether she wants to attend the Marrakech meeting, and that knowing the level of USG participation might affect the final decision on the level of Swiss participation. Osman said that she therefore would be grateful for confirmation regarding USG participation as soon as that information can be shared. CARTER