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