RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF BLUE

UNCLAS STATE 034964 SIPDIS BERN FOR CHARGE LEIGH CARTER FROM ACTING PM A/S FRANK RUGGIERO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC SZ SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF BLUE LANTERN PROGRAM: RORVIG, BUCK, O'GUERIN ¶1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of Mr. Richard Rorvig, Mr. Christopher Buck, and Ms. Diane O'Guerin, all of Embassy Bern's Political and Economic Section, for their exemplary support of the Blue Lantern program in Switzerland during the last year. As you know, Blue Lantern is the Department's primary instrument for monitoring the end-use of exported defense articles, technology, and services. This program is indispensable to PM's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls in making informed licensing decisions, discovering illicit supply networks, and deterring diversions of U.S. military articles and technology. ¶2. Embassy Bern's Blue Lantern team expertly leveraged local contacts in organizing and executing an extremely successful Blue Lantern outreach visit for PM/DDTC to Bern in February ¶2009. The visit both demonstrated and strengthened the team's ability to effectively navigate the unusual circumstances under which Blue Lantern checks are conducted in Switzerland. ¶3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the efforts of Mr. Rorvig, Mr. Buck, and Ms. O'Guerin, which have demonstrably contributed to the security and integrity of U.S. defense trade. CLINTON