VZCZCXYZ0051
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHSW #0195 1151437
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 241437Z APR 08
FM AMEMBASSY BERN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 5018
UNCLAS BERN 000195
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
IO/EDA FOR REBECCA WEBBER
OES/ENV FOR KERI HOLLAND
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON AORC PREL EAGR EAID SZ
SUBJECT: SWISS CONSDERING DOWNGRADING LEVEL OF
PARTICIPATION AT UN COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
REF: SECSTATE 40180
1. Emboff delivered reftel points to Federal Department of
Foreign Affairs (EDA), Deputy Regional Coordinator USA,
Alexandra Baumann on April 21. Baumann indicated that
Switzerland will consider "downgrading" its delegation to the
May 5-16 UN Commission on Sustainable Development meeting
based on the USG's concerns, but the decision will need to be
taken interagency. She said she would contact Emboffs once
the decision has been made.
2. At a April 22 meeting with State Secretariat for Economic
Affairs (SECO), North America Deputy, Guido Barsuglia, on the
May CSD meetings, Barsuglia said that SECO is deferring to
Foreign Affairs regarding the level of participation at the
upcoming May CSD meeting. He added that SECO is not
concerned about the level of officials attending, but is
focused on ensuring substantive discussions.
CONEWAY