Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BERN500
2009-11-23 11:56:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bern
Cable title:  

SWITZERLAND: RESPONSE TO REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF

Tags:  ETRD ETTC PREL CU SZ 
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VZCZCXYZ0011
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSW #0500/01 3271156
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 231156Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY BERN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6186
C O N F I D E N T I A L BERN 000500 

SIPDIS

WHA/CCA FOR J.HILLSMAN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/19/2019
TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU SZ
SUBJECT: SWITZERLAND: RESPONSE TO REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF
TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD ACT

REF: STATE 115416

Classified By: Economic Officer Leslie Freriksen for reasons 1.4(b) and
(d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L BERN 000500

SIPDIS

WHA/CCA FOR J.HILLSMAN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/19/2019
TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU SZ
SUBJECT: SWITZERLAND: RESPONSE TO REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF
TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD ACT

REF: STATE 115416

Classified By: Economic Officer Leslie Freriksen 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.

-------------- --
Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights in Cuba
-------------- --


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 Department for Foreign
Affairs (FDFA) informed post that the last such Swiss-Cuban
discussions were held the first week of November, 2009 in
Cuba. According to FDFA, the Swiss again used this
opportunity to emphasize democracy and human rights in Cuba.

--------------
Promotion of Civil Society
--------------


3. (SBU) Swiss development and humanitarian aid programming
includes delivery and sustainability elements that promote
the development of civil society.

--------------
High-Level Diplomatic Visits
--------------


4. (SBU) Per paragraph 2, a Cuban delegation led at the
Assistant Secretary level visited Cuba this month for
bilateral political discussions.

--------------
Nature of Investment in Cuba
--------------


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.

--------------
Bilateral Trade Agreements
--------------


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

--------------
Exchange Program
--------------


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

--------------
Comment
--------------


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.

5.
BEYER