Cable Viewer

Currently released so far... 5574 / 251,287

### Articles

Brazil Sri Lanka United Kingdom Sweden Editorial United States Latin America Egypt Yemen Jordan

### Browse latest releases

2010/11 2010/12 2011/01 2011/02 2011/03
2010/11/28 2010/11/29 2010/11/30
2010/12/01 2010/12/02 2010/12/03 2010/12/04 2010/12/05 2010/12/06 2010/12/07 2010/12/08 2010/12/09 2010/12/10 2010/12/11 2010/12/12 2010/12/13 2010/12/14 2010/12/15 2010/12/16 2010/12/17 2010/12/18 2010/12/19 2010/12/20 2010/12/21 2010/12/22 2010/12/23 2010/12/24 2010/12/25 2010/12/26 2010/12/27 2010/12/28 2010/12/29 2010/12/30
2011/01/01 2011/01/02 2011/01/04 2011/01/05 2011/01/07 2011/01/09 2011/01/10 2011/01/11 2011/01/12 2011/01/13 2011/01/14 2011/01/15 2011/01/16 2011/01/17 2011/01/18 2011/01/19 2011/01/20 2011/01/21 2011/01/22 2011/01/23 2011/01/24 2011/01/25 2011/01/26 2011/01/27 2011/01/28 2011/01/29 2011/01/30 2011/01/31
2011/02/01 2011/02/02 2011/02/03 2011/02/04 2011/02/05 2011/02/06 2011/02/07 2011/02/08 2011/02/09 2011/02/10 2011/02/11 2011/02/12 2011/02/13 2011/02/14 2011/02/15 2011/02/16 2011/02/17 2011/02/18 2011/02/19 2011/02/20 2011/02/21 2011/02/22 2011/02/23 2011/02/24 2011/02/25 2011/02/26 2011/02/27 2011/02/28
2011/03/01 2011/03/02 2011/03/03 2011/03/04 2011/03/05 2011/03/06 2011/03/07 2011/03/08 2011/03/09 2011/03/10 2011/03/11 2011/03/13 2011/03/14 2011/03/15 2011/03/16

### Browse by creation date

66 72 73 75 79 86 88 89 90 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
1966/12
1972/02 1972/08
1973/04
1975/03
1979/08
1986/05
1988/01
1989/12
1990/01 1990/07 1990/08 1990/10
2000/06 2000/09 2000/11
2001/02 2001/03 2001/07 2001/10
2002/02 2002/03 2002/11
2003/02 2003/03 2003/04 2003/05 2003/06 2003/07 2003/08 2003/09 2003/10 2003/11 2003/12
2004/01 2004/02 2004/03 2004/04 2004/05 2004/06 2004/07 2004/08 2004/09 2004/10 2004/11 2004/12
2005/01 2005/02 2005/03 2005/04 2005/05 2005/06 2005/07 2005/08 2005/09 2005/10 2005/11 2005/12
2006/01 2006/02 2006/03 2006/04 2006/05 2006/06 2006/07 2006/08 2006/09 2006/10 2006/11 2006/12
2007/01 2007/02 2007/03 2007/04 2007/05 2007/06 2007/07 2007/08 2007/09 2007/10 2007/11 2007/12
2008/01 2008/02 2008/03 2008/04 2008/05 2008/06 2008/07 2008/08 2008/09 2008/10 2008/11 2008/12
2009/01 2009/02 2009/03 2009/04 2009/05 2009/06 2009/07 2009/08 2009/09 2009/10 2009/11 2009/12
2010/01 2010/02

### Browse by origin

A B C D F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
Embassy Athens Embassy Asuncion Embassy Astana Embassy Asmara Embassy Ashgabat Embassy Ankara Embassy Amman Embassy Algiers Embassy Addis Ababa Embassy Accra Embassy Abuja Embassy Abu Dhabi Embassy Abidjan Consulate Amsterdam American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura Embassy Buenos Aires Embassy Budapest Embassy Bucharest Embassy Brussels Embassy Bridgetown Embassy Bratislava Embassy Brasilia Embassy Bogota Embassy Bishkek Embassy Bern Embassy Berlin Embassy Belgrade Embassy Beirut Embassy Beijing Embassy Banjul Embassy Bangkok Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan Embassy Bamako Embassy Baku Embassy Baghdad Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen Embassy Conakry Embassy Colombo Embassy Chisinau Embassy Caracas Embassy Canberra Embassy Cairo Consulate Curacao Consulate Chennai Consulate Casablanca Consulate Cape Town
Embassy Dushanbe Embassy Dublin Embassy Doha Embassy Djibouti Embassy Dhaka Embassy Dar Es Salaam Embassy Damascus Embassy Dakar Consulate Dubai
Embassy Freetown
Embassy Guatemala Embassy Gaborone Consulate Guadalajara
Embassy Helsinki Embassy Harare Embassy Hanoi Consulate Hermosillo Consulate Hamburg
Iran RPO Dubai Embassy Islamabad Consulate Istanbul
Embassy Jakarta Consulate Jerusalem Consulate Jeddah
Embassy Kyiv Embassy Kuwait Embassy Kuala Lumpur Embassy Kinshasa Embassy Kigali Embassy Khartoum Embassy Kathmandu Embassy Kampala Embassy Kabul
Embassy Luxembourg Embassy Luanda Embassy London Embassy Ljubljana Embassy Lisbon Embassy Lima Embassy Lilongwe Embassy La Paz Consulate Lagos
Mission USNATO Embassy Muscat Embassy Moscow Embassy Montevideo Embassy Monrovia Embassy Minsk Embassy Mexico Embassy Mbabane Embassy Maputo Embassy Manama Embassy Managua Embassy Malabo Embassy Madrid Consulate Munich Consulate Montreal Consulate Monterrey Consulate Milan
Embassy New Delhi Embassy Nassau Embassy Nairobi Consulate Naples
Embassy Ouagadougou Embassy Ottawa Embassy Oslo
Embassy Pristina Embassy Pretoria Embassy Prague Embassy Port Au Prince Embassy Phnom Penh Embassy Paris Embassy Paramaribo Embassy Panama Consulate Peshawar
Embassy Quito
REO Basrah Embassy Rome Embassy Riyadh Embassy Riga Embassy Reykjavik Embassy Rangoon Embassy Rabat Consulate Rio De Janeiro Consulate Recife
Secretary of State Embassy Stockholm Embassy Sofia Embassy Skopje Embassy Singapore Embassy Seoul Embassy Sarajevo Embassy Santo Domingo Embassy Santiago Embassy Sanaa Embassy San Salvador Embassy San Jose Consulate Strasbourg Consulate Shenyang Consulate Shanghai Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis Embassy Tripoli Embassy Tokyo Embassy The Hague Embassy Tel Aviv Embassy Tehran Embassy Tegucigalpa Embassy Tbilisi Embassy Tashkent Embassy Tallinn
USUN New York USEU Brussels US Mission Geneva US Interests Section Havana US Delegation, Secretary UNVIE Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius Embassy Vienna Embassy Vatican Consulate Vladivostok
Embassy Windhoek Embassy Wellington Embassy Warsaw
Embassy Yerevan Embassy Yaounde
Embassy Zagreb

### Browse by tag

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
AF AJ AU AG AE ASEC AS AM AR AMGT AORC AFIN APER ABUD ATRN AL AEMR ACOA AO AX AMED ADCO AODE AFFAIRS AC ASIG ABLD AA AFU ASUP AROC ATFN AVERY APCS AER ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG AEC APECO ASEAN AGMT
BE BR BA BL BEXP BTIO BM BK BRUSSELS BX BU BO BH BIDEN BY BG BF BB BC BBSR BMGT BTIU BILAT
CH CA CD CV CVIS CMGT CO CI CU CASC CBW CLINTON CE CJAN CIA CG CF CN CS CAN COUNTER CDG CIS CM CONDOLEEZZA COE CR CY CTM COUNTRY CLEARANCE CPAS CWC CT CKGR CB CACS COM CJUS CARSON CL CODEL COUNTERTERRORISM CACM CDB
DR DA DHS DOE DEA DK DJ DISENGAGEMENT DS DTRA DOD DEAX
ECON EFIN ELAB EU ETRD ENRG EPET EG EAGR EAID ETTC EINV EIND EUN EAIR ER ECIN ECPS EFIS EI EINT EZ EMIN ET EC ETC ECONEFIN ENVR ES ECA ELN EN EFTA EWWT ELTN EXTERNAL EINVETC ENIV EINN ENGR EUR ESA ENERG EK ENGY ETRO ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS ETRDEINVTINTCS ESENV ENVI ELECTIONS ECUN EINVEFIN ECIP EINDETRD EUC EREL
FR FINR FAO FTAA FREEDOM FI FARC FBI FJ FMLN
GA GG GM GV GH GE GT GR GTIP GOI GCC GAZA GZ GANGS GTMO
HU HR HILLARY HA HUMAN HO HYMPSK HURI HK HSTC
IR IS IZ INTERPOL IPR IN IT INRB IAEA IRAJ INRA INRO IO IC ID IIP ILC ITPHUM IV IWC IQ ICTY ISRAELI IRAQI ICRC ICAO IMO IF IEFIN INTELSAT IL IA IBRD IMF INR IRC ITALY ITALIAN
JO JA JOSEPH JP JOHNNIE JUS JAMES
KCOR KN KS KDEM KNNP KSPR KPAL KJUS KFRD KCRM KTIP KZ KPAO KTFN KIPR KPKO KSCA KISL KNUC KMDR KGHG KPLS KE KOLY KWBG KUNR KDRG KAWK KIRF KIRC KU KBIO KHLS KG KACT KGIC KRAD KCOM KMCA KV KHDP KVPR KDEV KWMN KMPI KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KOMC KTLA KCFC KTIA KHIV KPRP KAWC KCIP KCFE KOCI KTDB KMRS KLIG KBCT KICC KGIT KSTC KPAK KNEI KSEP KPOA KFLU KNUP KNNPMNUC KO KTER KSUM KHUM KRFD KBTR KDDG KWWMN KFLO KSAF KBTS KPRV KNPP KNAR KWMM KERG KFIN KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KTBT KCRS KRVC KSTH KREL KNSD KTEX KPAI KHSA KWAC KR KPWR KMIG KSEC KIFR KDEMAF KGCC KPIN
LE LH LY LU LG LI LO LOG LT
MARR MO MOPS MASS MNUC ML MR MZ MCAP MPOS MOPPS MTCRE MX MTCR MAPP MU MY MA MG MASC MCC MEPP MK MTRE MP MIL MDC MAR MEPI MRCRE MI MT MQADHAFI MD MAPS MUCN MASSMNUC MERCOSUR MC
NG NATO NL NI NU NIPP NO NPT NRR NE NS NAR NZ NPG NK NSG NA NT NASA NGO NP NSF NATIONAL
ODIP OIIP OREP OVIP OEXC OPRC OFDP OPDC OECD OTRA OSCE OAS OPIC OPCW OSCI OIE OIC OTR OVP OFFICIALS OSAC
PREL PGOV PTER PINR PSOE PHUM PBTS PARM PK PREF PINS PL PHSA PE PKFK PO PGOF PROP PA PARMS PUNE PORG PM PMIL PTERE POL PF PALESTINIAN PY PGGV PNR POV PAK PAO PFOR PHALANAGE PARTY PRGOV PNAT PROV PEL PINF PGOVE POLINT PRL PRAM PMAR PGOVLO PHUMBA PHUS PHUMPREL PG POLITICS PEPR PSI PINT PU POLITICAL PARTIES PBIO PECON POGOV PINL
QA
RW RS RU RP RO RIGHTS RICE ROBERT RF RFE REGION
SP SOCI SENV SNAR SL SW SY SG SU SA SMIG SCUL SO SF SR SZ SN SHUM SYR ST SANC SC SAN SIPRS SK SH SI SNARCS STEINBERG
TU TS TBIO TH TX TRGY TSPA TC TI TIP TR TT TW TERRORISM TO TFIN TD TSPL TZ TPHY TK TNGD TINT TRSY TP
UV US UK UP UN UNSC UNGA USEU UG USUN UY UZ UNO UNMIK UNESCO UNHRC UE UAE UNEP USTR UNHCR UNDP USAID UNCHS UNAUS UNCHC
VT VE VZ VM VTPREL VN
WTRO WA WI WZ WMO WTRQ WHO WWARD WB WBG WEU WHA WTO
XA XF XT XM XY XG XC XH XK XL XZ XW XR XD XE XS
YM YI YE
ZB ZI ZP ZK ZF ZANU ZOELLICK ZR ZU ZA ZO ZJ

### Browse by classification

CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN SECRET SECRET//NOFORN UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

### Community resources

Follow us on Twitter Check our Reddit Twitter this Digg this page Contact us on IRC

courage is contagious

### Viewing cable 07BERN881, FM CALMY-REY "TAKES NOTE" OF USG CONCERNS \

If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:

- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.

To understand the justification used for the classification of each cable, please use this WikiSource article as reference.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #07BERN881.

Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
07BERN881 | 2007-09-11 09:09 | 2011-03-14 06:06 | SECRET | Embassy Bern
Appears in these articles: http://www.letemps.ch/swiss_papers

`

    VZCZCXRO4549
    OO RUEHRG
    DE RUEHSW #0881/01 2540944
    ZNY SSSSS ZZH
    O 110944Z SEP 07
    FM AMEMBASSY BERN
    TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4460
    INFO RUCNMEU/EU INTEREST COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
    RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA PRIORITY 0018
    RUEHAR/AMEMBASSY ACCRA PRIORITY 0010
    RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA PRIORITY 0120
    RUEHAS/AMEMBASSY ALGIERS PRIORITY 0300
    RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0031
    RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK PRIORITY 0777
    RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING PRIORITY 0553
    RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA PRIORITY 1222
    RUEHBRC/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA PRIORITY 0133
    RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES PRIORITY 0056
    RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO PRIORITY 0062
    RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 0858
    RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS PRIORITY 0125
    RUEHDO/AMEMBASSY DOHA PRIORITY 0038
    RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD PRIORITY 0937
    RUEHJA/AMEMBASSY JAKARTA PRIORITY 0038
    RUEHKI/AMEMBASSY KINSHASA PRIORITY 0011
    RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ PRIORITY 0313
    RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA PRIORITY 0383
    RUEHML/AMEMBASSY MANILA PRIORITY 0261
    RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO PRIORITY 0182
    RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY 0120
    RUEHZP/AMEMBASSY PANAMA PRIORITY 0099
    RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA PRIORITY 0108
    RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO PRIORITY 0283
    RUEHRB/AMEMBASSY RABAT PRIORITY 0185
    RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH PRIORITY 0085
    RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO PRIORITY 0073
    RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL PRIORITY 0477
    RUEHGP/AMEMBASSY SINGAPORE PRIORITY 0490
    RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 0661
    RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA PRIORITY 0028
    RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
    RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 2758
    RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0142
    RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY

` `

    2007-09-11 09:44:00	07BERN881	Embassy Bern	SECRET	07STATE124823	VZCZCXRO4549\
    OO RUEHRG\
    DE RUEHSW #0881/01 2540944\
    ZNY SSSSS ZZH\
    O 110944Z SEP 07\
    FM AMEMBASSY BERN\
    TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4460\
    INFO RUCNMEU/EU INTEREST COLLECTIVE PRIORITY\
    RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA PRIORITY 0018\
    RUEHAR/AMEMBASSY ACCRA PRIORITY 0010\
    RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA PRIORITY 0120\
    RUEHAS/AMEMBASSY ALGIERS PRIORITY 0300\
    RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0031\
    RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK PRIORITY 0777\
    RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING PRIORITY 0553\
    RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA PRIORITY 1222\
    RUEHBRC/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA PRIORITY 0133\
    RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES PRIORITY 0056\
    RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO PRIORITY 0062\
    RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 0858\
    RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS PRIORITY 0125\
    RUEHDO/AMEMBASSY DOHA PRIORITY 0038\
    RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD PRIORITY 0937\
    RUEHJA/AMEMBASSY JAKARTA PRIORITY 0038\
    RUEHKI/AMEMBASSY KINSHASA PRIORITY 0011\
    RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ PRIORITY 0313\
    RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA PRIORITY 0383\
    RUEHML/AMEMBASSY MANILA PRIORITY 0261\
    RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO PRIORITY 0182\
    RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY 0120\
    RUEHZP/AMEMBASSY PANAMA PRIORITY 0099\
    RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA PRIORITY 0108\
    RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO PRIORITY 0283\
    RUEHRB/AMEMBASSY RABAT PRIORITY 0185\
    RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH PRIORITY 0085\
    RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO PRIORITY 0073\
    RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL PRIORITY 0477\
    RUEHGP/AMEMBASSY SINGAPORE PRIORITY 0490\
    RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 0661\
    RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA PRIORITY 0028\
    RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY\
    RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 2758\
    RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0142\
    RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY	S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BERN 000881 \
     \
    SIPDIS \
     \
    SIPDIS \
     \
    DEPT FOR P (SGUHA), E, ISN/RA (KKESSLER), IO/T \
    (HVONBEHREN), AND EUR/AGS (YSAINT-ANDRE) \
     \
    E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/10/2027 \
    TAGS: MNUC KNNP ETTC IR SZ
    SUBJECT: FM CALMY-REY "TAKES NOTE" OF USG CONCERNS \
    REGARDING IRAN/IAEA AND IRAN/EGL \
     \
    REF: A. STATE 124823 \
     \
         ¶B. GUHA-CARTER E-MAIL (07SEP07) \
         ¶C. BERN 860 \
         ¶D. STATE 123352 \
     \
    Classified By: Charg d'Affaires a.i. Leigh Carter; reasons 1.4(b) and ( \
    d). \
     \
    ------- \
    SUMMARY \
    ------- \
     \
    ¶1. (S) Per instructions in reftel A, CDA met FM Calmy-Rey on \
    the evening of September 7 to discuss USG concerns regarding \
    the handling of the Iran case at the September 10-14 IAEA \
    Board of Governors (BOG) meeting (reftels C/D).  As requested \
    in ref B, CDA also took the opportunity to raise USG \
    objections to a pending natural gas deal between Swiss firm \
    EGL and Iran.  Calmy-Rey replied that Switzerland does not, \
    as a general rule, discuss the Iran "dossier" in public, \
    given its broader commitments and roles in dealing with Iran \
    (e.g., as "protecting power" for the USG).  Regarding the EGL \
    natural gas deal issue, she remarked that EGL is a private \
    company, and the Iran deal is very important to it.  However, \
    she went on to say that she takes note of USG concerns, \
    particularly with regard to the timing of the deal in the \
    broader political context.  Throughout the meeting, Calmy-Rey \
    was cordial but succinct and generally non-committal in her \
    reaction to our messages.  (Meeting Participants:  Poloff \
    accompanied CDA as notetaker.  FM Calmy-Rey, also \
    concurrently the Swiss Federal President, was joined by \
    Yvonne Baumann, Head of the MFA's Western Hemisphere \
    Division, and by Jean-Daniel Praz, Deputy Head of the MFA's \
    Nonproliferation and Arms Control Division.)  End summary. \
     \
    --------- \
    IRAN/IAEA \
    --------- \
     \
    ¶2. (S) CDA delivered the message in reftel A, noting that \
    Switzerland presumably would be elected to the IAEA Board of \
    Governors (BOG) later this month, and emphasizing the \
    importance of the international community speaking with one \
    voice in insisting that Iran meet it obligations on both the \
    IAEA and UNSC tracks.  Calmy-Rey "took note" of USG concerns \
    and said that she would study the matter.  She commented that \
    Switzerland was not yet on the BOG, so would not be in a \
    position to make a statement at the September 10-14 BOG \
    meeting.  Poloff observed that public statements by \
     \
    BERN 00000881  002 OF 002 \
     \
     \
    like-minded states reiterating Iran's obligations would be \
    useful, even outside of the context of the BOG.  Calmy-Rey \
    replied that Switzerland does not, as a general rule, discuss \
    the Iran "dossier" in public, given its broader commitments \
    and roles in dealing with Iran (e.g., as "protecting power" \
    for the USG). \
     \
    ----------------- \
    IRAN/EGL Gas Deal \
    ----------------- \
     \
    ¶3. (S) CDA underlined the points in ref B, observing that EGL \
    moving ahead with the Iran natural gas deal would have a \
    severe negative effect on the international community's \
    efforts to keep the pressure on Tehran to achieve a \
    diplomatic solution.  Calmy-Rey remarked that EGL is a \
    private company, and the Iran deal is very important to it. \
    However, she went on to say that she takes note of USG \
    concerns, particularly with regard to the timing of the deal \
    in the broader political context.  She concluded by saying \
    that the GOS is "preoccupied" with the matter and would \
    review USG concerns. \
     \
    ------- \
    COMMENT \
    ------- \
     \
    ¶4. (C) Calmy-Rey agreed to the Friday evening meeting in \
    response to our request for an appointment before September \
    10 (reftel A).  She was cordial but succinct and generally \
    non-committal in her reaction to our messages.  Post will \
    continue to reiterate our concerns on these matters at \
    appropriate opportunities with other Swiss officials. \
    CARTER \

    121752	2007-09-11 12:50:00	07TBILISI2290	Embassy Tbilisi	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY		VZCZCXRO4053\
    RR RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA\
    RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG\
    DE RUEHSI #2290/01 2541250\
    ZNR UUUUU ZZH\
    R 111250Z SEP 07\
    FM AMEMBASSY TBILISI\
    TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7564\
    INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE	UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 TBILISI 002290 \
     \
    SIPDIS \
     \
    SENSITIVE \
     \
    SIPDIS \
     \
    WEBGRAM EXCLUDED ONLY \
     \
    E.O. 12958: N/A \
    TAGS: MNUC KNNP ETTC IR SZ
    SUBJECT: REGIONAL GOVERNORS - WHO ARE THEY? \
     \
     \
    ¶1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified.  Not for public Internet. \
     \
    ¶2. (SBU) Summary: Following a series of scandals \
    involving the misuse of public funds by newly elected \
    local officials, the Georgian Parliament recently passed \
    two laws that strengthen the powers of regional Governors, \
    who are appointed by the President, to exercise \
    "state supervision" and ensure compliance of local \
    self-government bodies with the "interests, goals and \
    policy" of the state.  Increasing the authority of the \
    Governors may help with the formulation and \
    subsequent implementation of economic development of \
    Georgia's undeveloped regions.  However, this will need \
    to be done carefully as some may claim that these new \
    powers are counter to the goal of decentralizing power \
    from federal to local structures.  This cable \
    contains a brief summary of the current regional \
    Governors of Georgia, whose personalities - some of \
    which tend toward that of a local prince, \
    rather than an institutional manager of local \
    self-governance - may prove decisive in the \
    development of Georgia's regions.  End Summary. \
     \
    Promising steps towards local self-government \
    --------------------------------------------- \
     \
    ¶3. (U) The ratification of the European Charter on Local \
    Self-governance and subsequent adoption of the Law on Local \
    Self-governance by the Georgian parliament in 2005 created \
    the political and legal environment required for the \
    development of full-fledged self-government institutions. \
    The new legislation envisaged the termination of the \
    existing subordination of local bodies to the central \
    authorities, primarily through ensuring the separation \
    of powers of state and local governments, bolstering \
    the independence of local government bodies, and encouraging \
    the participation of citizens in the exercise of \
    self-governance.   This marked an entirely new approach \
    to local governance in the top-down world of the former \
    Soviet Union.  The legislation and subsequent local \
    elections in 2006 were assessed by experts as the most \
    promising advance towards local self-governance in \
    Georgian history. \
     \
    Links to the non-transparent past \
    --------------------------------- \
     \
    ¶4. (U) According to the new legislation, the main entities \
    of local self-government are, "a settlement (a self-governing \
    city) or an amalgamation of settlements (municipality), \
    which have local self-government representative and \
    executive bodies."  The law does not provide for the \
    institution of the PresidentQs Representative in the \
    regions or a Regional Governor, though it stipulates \
    state supervision over local self-government bodies, which \
    has been in practice since the Shevardnadze era.  At that \
    time, the rationale for the state supervision by the \
    President's Representative was the difficult period \
    of transition towards democracy, which necessitated \
    presence of a "strong presidential hand" in the regions. \
    Shevardnadze also established a Governor's Special Fund \
    to "implement targeted programs of regional development." \
    Lacking transparency, this fund has been invalidated \
    by the current government, though the institution of the \
    Representative is being retained.   Currently, Georgia \
    has nine regions with respective entities of locally \
    elected governments.  However, in addition, each region \
    is also governed by the superimposed authority of \
    the President's Representative. \
     \
    Links to the unclear future \
    --------------------------- \
     \
    ¶5. (U) In order to address the existing legislative \
    uncertainties surrounding the PresidentQs Representative, \
    Georgian Parliament recently adopted two laws: Amendments \
    to the Law on Structure, Authority and the Rule of Activity \
    of the Government of Georgia and Law on State Supervision \
    over the Activities of Local Self-government \
    Bodies.  The laws provide for the institution of President's \
    Representative/Governor who "shall be the representative \
    of the President and the Government of Georgia in \
    territorial units".  As stipulated by the legislation, \
    the Governor, appointed and dismissed by the President, \
    shall control implementation of the laws of Georgia in \
    territorial units, implement regional programs of \
    social-economic development, provide recommendations on \
    the suspension or termination of locals council activities, \
    under circumstances threatening to the sovereignty of \
     \
    TBILISI 00002290  002 OF 006 \
     \
     \
    the country, or constitutional authority of state \
    bodies.   Most importantly, Governors shall exercise \
    "state supervision" to ensure "the legality and \
    expediency of the activities of local self-government \
    bodies and officials", and "legal supervision" \
    to ensure "compliance of the normative acts issued \
    by local self-government bodies and officials with \
    Georgian legislation." Beyond coordinating regional \
    interests, goals and policy with those determined by \
    the federal state, Governors shall also administer state \
    budget resources in accordance "with public interests." \
     \
    ¶6. (U) Critics of the legislation fear that it will bestow \
    too much authority to regional governors, who are not \
    popularly elected and report directly to the president. \
    Furthermore, opponents believe the proposed laws will \
    provide little oversight of the regional administrators \
    from the federal government, and even fewer checks and \
    balances from the local government institutions.  Supporters \
    contend that the locally elected officials, most of whom \
    grew up and prospered in the era of rampant corruption of the \
    Shevardnadze period, need additional oversight in order \
    to ensure that federal funds given to local authorities \
    are spent on constituent needs.  Indeed, the ruling party \
    forced a group of local officials to resign after they \
    spent most of the local funds from the poor area of \
    Kutaisi on new Mercedes vehicles and the refurbishment of \
    their offices. \
     \
    Personalities Gallery \
    --------------------- \
     \
    ¶7. (SBU) At present, the governors who will be given the \
    above leverages to exercise the presidential power in the \
    regions are the following: \
     \
    Giorgi Natsvlishvili - Kakheti region \
    ------------------------------------- \
     \
    Kakheti - a wine region of Georgia - comprises eight \
    districts with the total population of approximately 407,182. \
    Kakheti borders on Azerbaijan and North Caucasus and \
    provides shelter to a sizable community of refugees from \
    Chechnya.  Gia Natsvlishvili was appointed Governor of Kakheti \
    region on November 27, 2006. \
     \
    Natsvlishvili was born on July 4, 1963, in Tbilisi. \
    In 1985, he graduated from the Technical University of \
    Georgia faculty of hydro-technical facilities. Natsvlishvili \
    also graduated from the secondary faculty with a major in \
    English technical translation.   In 1997, he was awarded \
    a PhD in technical science, and in 2003 the rank \
    of Doctor.  He is a member of the International Association \
    of Hydraulic Specialists, author of 30 scientific papers, a \
    member of the International Association of American \
    Scientists "Sigma XI".  From 1988 to 2003, Natsvlishvili \
    headed various businesses. \
     \
    From 1987, Natsvlishvili became involved in the National \
    Liberation Movement and was one of the founders of the \
    Christian-Democratic Union of Georgia.  In 1992, he took \
    part in the military actions in Abkhazia and is a veteran of \
    the Abkhazian war. He participated actively in the \
    foundation of the National Movement and was its Executive \
    Secretary until 2004.  In 2004, Natsvlishvili became member \
     \
    SIPDIS \
    of the Tbilisi Sakrebulo, and was a Member of Georgian \
    Parliament from April 22, 2004, as the Deputy Chairman of \
    the Parliamentary Committee on Branch Economy and Economic \
    Reforms. \
     \
    According to a local NGO source, the majority of Kakheti \
    residents think very highly of Natsvlishvili as a young \
    and energetic leader, and he has a positive reputation \
    among civil society actors in Kakheti. \
     \
    Vasil Maghlaperidze - Mtskheta- Mtianeti \
    ---------------------------------------- \
     \
    Mtskheta- Mtianeti is rich in hydro-resources and \
    forest parks, and has good prospects for livestock, grain \
    harvesting and beer production. The region of Georgia's \
    ancient capital Mtskheta also has a significant \
    potential for tourism development.  It comprises \
    five districts with the total population of \
    approximately 125,443.   Vasil Maglaperidze was \
    appointed Governor of Mtskheta- Mtianeti on March 1, 2005. \
     \
    Vasil Maglaperidze was born in Tbilisi, on September 5, 1958. \
    In 1980, he graduated from the Tbilisi State University \
     \
    TBILISI 00002290  003 OF 006 \
     \
     \
    faculty of philology. In 1989, Maglaperidze was awarded a \
    PhD in philology.  From 1988, he worked as a researcher \
    at the Tbilisi State University department of \
    ancient Georgian literature, and from 1984 to 1999 \
    was a teacher of Georgian language and literature at a \
    secondary school in Tbilisi.  In 1999, and again in \
    2004, Maglaperidze was elected as a member of Parliament. \
    In 2004, he was elected Chairman of the Georgian \
    ParliamentQs temporary Commission on restoration of \
    territorial integrity of Georgia. \
     \
    Maglaperidze is generally perceived as an obedient and \
    decent public servant who will neither do any damage, nor \
    be proactive to achieve independent results. \
     \
    Mikheil Kareli - Shida Kartli \
    ----------------------------- \
     \
    Shida Kartli has a strong potential for fruit and vegetable \
    processing industry development.  The region actually \
    encompasses the conflict zone in South Ossetia and comprises \
    four districts under Georgian jurisdiction, with a total \
    population of approximately 314,039. Mikheil Kareli was \
    appointed Governor of Shida Kartli in January 2004. \
     \
    Kareli was born on September 3, 1975, in the city of \
    Gori.  He graduated from the Gori State Economic \
    Institute's economic records faculty with a major in \
    accounting and economic analysis.  He also graduated \
    from the Tbilisi State University faculty of law, \
    majoring in jurisprudence, and was awarded the \
    qualification of a lawyer.  Kareli worked from 1998 \
    to 2001 as the Sakrebulo Chairman of the Tkviavi \
    community of Gori district.  Between 2002 and 2003, \
    he was the Board Chairman of the NGO "Union of Fighting \
    Against Corruption".  From 2003 to 2004, Kareli was the \
    executive secretary of the Gori branch of the United \
    National Movement. \
     \
    Kareli, said to be protigi of the former Minister of \
    Defense Irakli Okruashvili, is also known for his \
    autocratic ways of management.  Some believe he rules as \
    a prince of a fiefdom, rather than as a high executive. \
    However, his position, which is owed to an earlier promotion \
    by Okruashvili, has become quite precarious recently. \
     \
    Zurab Melikishvili - Kvemo Kartli \
    --------------------------------- \
     \
    Kvemo Kartli borders Armenia and Azerbaijan and \
    comprises a major portion of GeorgiaQs ethnic Azeri Muslim \
    population.  The region is rich in arable land and \
    pastures for livestock breeding.  It consists of six districts \
    with the total population of approximately 497,530. \
    Zurab Melikishvili was appointed Governor of Kvemo Kartli \
    in December 2004. \
     \
    Melikishvili was born on February 15, 1971, in Tbilisi. \
    In 1993, Melikishvili graduated from the Javakhishvili \
    Tbilisi State University faculty of chemistry, and later \
    in 1997 from the faculty of jurisprudence of the \
    Nutsubidze Institute "Ritorika".  Between 1993 and \
    1996, Melikishvili worked as the chairman of the \
    Georgian International Red Cross Society organization \
    in Vake district; vice-president of the youth organization \
    of the IRCS.  From 1999 to 2000, he served as an \
    invited specialist at the Georgian Parliament.  Between \
    2000 and 2001, Melikishvili worked at the Ministry of \
    Justice of Georgia, Head of the Minister's office. \
    Melikishvili was one of the founders of National \
    Movement, as a coordinator of organizational issues. \
    From December 2003 to January 2004, Melikishvili was \
    Governor of Kvemo Kartli.  In early 2004, he was \
    appointed First Deputy Head of the PresidentQs Office, \
    and served later that year as the State Minister on Regional \
    Issues. \
     \
    Melikishvili, though a good "apparatchik", makes very \
    rare public appearances and his role in the region is \
    nearly invisible. \
     \
    Aaki Bobokhidze -Imereti \
    ------------------------- \
     \
    Imereti is rich in coal, manganese, limestone, mineral \
    waters and hydro resources.  The region of Georgia's \
    second largest city of Kutaisi comprises eleven districts \
    with the total population of approximately 699,666. \
    Akaki Bobokhidze was appointed Governor of Imereti in \
     \
    TBILISI 00002290  004 OF 006 \
     \
     \
    November 2006. \
     \
    Bobokhidze was born on September 14, 1964, in the village \
    Gord, Khoni district.  In 1986, he graduated from the \
    Tbilisi Javakhishvili State University faculty of mechanics \
    and mathematics.  From 1986 to 1990, Bobokhidze worked at \
    the Kutaisi Polytechnics Institute. In 1990, \
    Bobokhidze became a member of the Supreme Council \
    of Georgia, and later in 1992, a member of the State Council \
    of Georgia.  From 1992 to 1995, he served in the Georgian \
    Parliament.  Between 1998 and 2001, Bobokhidze was the \
    Ombudsman's Trustee on Political Issues.  From 2001 \
    to 2004, Bobokhidze served a second term in Parliament. \
    In 2005, he was appointed Governor of Imereti.  One year \
    later, he resigned from the post to become Head of the \
    National Guard Department.  On November 10, 2006, he was \
    re-appointed Governor of Imereti. \
     \
    At various times, Bobokhidze was a member of both the \
    Republican Party and People's Party, finally joining \
    the National Movement later in his career.  His \
    resignation from the GovernorQs position stemmed from a \
    scandal involving BobokhidzeQs assault of a \
    journalist following a television interview.  The \
    episode further damaged Bobokhidze's public reputation, \
    which was already held in low esteem due to  endeavors \
    seen as opportunistic and self-serving. \
     \
    Giorgi Khachidze - Samtskhe- Javakheti \
    -------------------------------------- \
    Samtskhe-Javakheti borders Turkey and Armenia and \
    comprises the largest portion of GeorgiaQs ethnic \
    Armenians.   The region has a strong potential for \
    meat and dairy-products development.   It consists \
    of six districts with the total population of \
    approximately 207,598.  Giorgi Khachidze was appointed \
    governor of Samtskhe-Javakheti in March 2005. \
     \
    Khachidze was born on February 9, 1974.  In 1997, \
    Khachidze graduated from the Tbilisi State University, \
    majoring in biology and journalism. Between 1994 and 2000, \
    he worked for state-run Channels I and II on \
    Georgian Television, as well as for the television \
    companies "Ibervizia", "Rustavi-2", "202".  During \
    this time, Khachidze also worked in the press-service \
    of the Ministry of Defense, as well as for \
    radio station "105", radio "Rezonansi", and \
    newspaper "Rezonansi".  In November 2002, he founded \
    the Khashuri office of the "United Democrats" \
    party.  From November 2003 to March 2004, he was \
    the Deputy Gamgebeli of Khashuri rayon.  From March \
    to October, 2004, he was a Member of Georgian \
    Parliament, elected through National Movement \
    party lists. From October, 2004 to March, 2005 he \
    was appointed Governor in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. \
     \
    Khachidze was also a relatively popular pop-singer \
    and managed to transfer his personable qualities to \
    his managerial work as well. Khachidze is quite liked \
    by the local NGO community, which stresses his \
    regular work with civil society organizations and \
    his focus on concrete achievements.  Khachidze's \
    strongest asset is said to be his ability to \
    work with people, despite their religion or ethnicity. \
     \
    Zaza Gorozia - Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti \
    ------------------------------------------ \
     \
    Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti border on the conflict \
    zone in Abkhazia, and is presently home to the largest \
    share of Georgia's IDPs from Abkhazia.  The region is \
    rich in hydro-resources, non-ferrous metals, \
    and arable land for citrus cultivation.    It \
    comprises eight districts, including the industrial \
    port town of Poti, with the total population of \
    approximately 466,100.  Zaza Gorozia was appointed \
    Governor of SamegreloQZemo Svaneti in July 2005. \
     \
    Gorozia was born in Martvili district, Samegrelo on \
    February 11, 1975. In 1999, he graduated from the \
    Medical Academy of Tbilisi, and later continued \
    post-graduate studies with the major in healthcare \
    management.  From 2000 to 2001, Gorozia worked \
    as an intern at the healthcare department of the \
    Ministry of Justice of Georgia.  In 2003, Gorozia \
    served on the Central Elections Commission.  From \
    2003 to 2005, he was appointed as Deputy, and later \
    promoted as Head of the Tbilisi City HallQs Healthcare \
    and Social Services.  He is currently member of \
     \
    TBILISI 00002290  005 OF 006 \
     \
     \
    the United National Movement. \
     \
    Gorozia is seen by many not only as a good party \
    functionary, but also as a good manager enthusiastic \
    about local projects and capable of delivering results. \
    At the same time, Gorozia still has to overcome \
    another existing perception which holds him as a "cocksure" \
    young guy, "having his fling" while he is still the \
    ruler of Samegrelo region. \
     \
    Mikheil Svimonoshvili - Guria \
    ----------------------------- \
     \
    Guria holds strong potential for agricultural \
    development of tea, citrus, hazel nuts, and mineral water. \
    The region comprises three districts with the total \
    population of approximately 143,357.   Mikheil \
    Svimonishvili was appointed Governor of Guria in November \
    ¶2006. \
     \
    Svimonishvili was born on April 7, 1976, in Tbilisi. \
    In 1993, Svimonishvili attended technical college of \
    the German city of Bruchsal, majoring in trade economy, \
    and later pursued post-graduate studies at the Ivane \
    Javakhishvili State University of Tbilisi, with \
    the major in business-information technology.   Between \
    1997 and 1999, he studied in Switzerland at the economic \
    faculty of the Zurich University.  In 1998, he took a \
    one-year qualification improvement course at the Swiss \
    Banking School.  In 1997, together with Swiss \
    partners, Svimonishvili founded the company "Tskali \
    Margebeli", Ltd., which produces the mineral water \
    Nabeghlavi.  At the same time, he is a founder of the \
    Ltd. "Alami" and "Ali Georgian Motors".  Until December \
    2004, he worked as the Head of the Tbilisi City Hall \
    Service of city planning. On December 17, 2004, he \
    was appointed the Minister of Agriculture of Georgia. \
     \
    Svimonishvili is not perceived as a person wholeheartedly \
    dedicated to the region, but rather as a temporary "fixture" \
    who was assigned to this position against his will and \
    who would be looking for the first feasible opportunity \
    to turn a "new leaf" in his career. \
     \
    Otar Siradze - Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti \
    --------------------------------------------- --- \
     \
    Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti holds good prospects \
    for tourism and recreational development.  Its rich \
    mineral water resources holds strong potential for \
    the bottled water industry .  It comprises four districts \
    with the total population of approximately 50,969. \
    Otar Siradze was appointed Governor of Racha-Lechkhumi \
    and Lower Svaneti in March, 2005. \
     \
    Siradze was born in 1975 in the town of Ambrolauri, \
    Racha region.  In 1997, he graduated from the Humanities \
    Institute of Georgia with the qualification of the manager \
    of economic relations.  He later continued post-graduate \
    studies in economics at the State University of Tbilisi. \
    Between 1995 and 2002, Siradze worked as the Deputy \
    Director of company Laba, Ltd., and as Assistant Head \
    of the Office of the Minister of State Property Management. \
    From 2003 to 2004, he was the Head of the Office of the \
    Agency of Enterprise Management, a public legal entity. \
    In 2005, Siradze was appointed the Deputy Head of the \
    Georgian GovernmentQs Department on Regional Policy. \
     \
    Siradze is probably the least known Governor of the \
    regions of Georgia, apparently shunning any public \
    appearances.  Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti, one of \
    the most beautiful parts of Georgia, would benefit \
    tremendously from having energetic leadership focused on \
    intensive road development and local tourism/recreation \
    development projects. \
     \
    Comment \
    ------- \
     \
    ¶8. (SBU) Comment: Strengthening of the institution of \
    regional governors Q unelected officials appointed by \
    and directly subordinate to the president may help with the \
    development and subsequent implementation of comprehensive \
    strategies for the economic development of GeorgiaQs \
    regions.  It is also a way to provide oversight over the \
    fledgling and inexperienced (at least in democracy) local \
    officials. Based on a review of qualifications, background, \
    and performance in current and previous positions, there \
    is some question as to whether the actual incumbents can \
     \
    TBILISI 00002290  006 OF 006 \
     \
     \
    be expected to perform their mandates effectively. \
    It will be important that implementation of these laws is \
    done in a way which allows for the continued \
    decentralization of federal structures, empowerment of \
    locally elected officials, and deferral of decisions to \
    the local level.  We will actively encourage such an approach. \
    End \
    comment. \
    TEFFT \

`