Talks conducted in Washington by Federal Councilor Blocher
Press Release, FDJP, 27.07.2007
Washington. The Head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police, Federal Councilor Christoph Blocher, has conducted talks with his U.S. American opposite numbers Alberto Gonzales (Justice) and Michael Chertoff (Homeland Security) as well as with FBI Director Robert Mueller and U.S. Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell. The main theme of these talks was an exchange of information on cooperation in the criminal prosecution of terrorist activities and in the fight against organized crime.
On Thursday evening, Federal Councilor Blocher had already met U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales for informal talks. They primarily discussed matters related to legal assistance and extradition practice. Justice Minister Blocher emphasized that regarding mutual legal assistance, the relationship between Switzerland and the United States is good, in particular in the sector of the fight against terrorism and money laundering.
In the talks conducted on Friday with U.S. Minister for Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, FBI Director Robert Mueller and U.S. Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell, the focal point of discussion was the cooperation agreement between Switzerland and the United States on the criminal prosecution of terrorist activities. Federal Councilor Blocher informed his American colleagues about the successful conclusion of the corresponding consultations in the Swiss Parliament. As he explained, the agreement had been approved by the National Council in the spring session and by the Council of States in the summer session. The deadline for a referendum expires on October 11, 2007. This agreement is to replace the Operative Working Arrangement (OWA), which was concluded in the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001, on the United States. The new agreement will enable the two states both to appoint joint investigative units and to combat terrorism and the funding of terrorism. When asked about the absence of a ban on terrorist organizations in Switzerland, Federal Councilor Blocher explained that, with regard to banning organizations, Switzerland traditionally pursued a restrained practice and that Swiss legislation had other means of combating criminal activities.
In connection with the Swiss strategy for the fight against terrorism, Federal Councilor Blocher informed his American colleagues about the Federal Act on Measures to Safeguard National Security and current work being done on the revision of this act. Furthermore, he described the basic principles of Swiss integration policy, explaining that access to gainful employment and knowledge of a national language represented the main prerequisites for successful integration.
Federal Councilor Blocher also informed his American colleagues about the present state of affairs relative to the introduction of Swiss passports with electronically stored data. In the case of Swiss citizens wishing to enter the United States without a visa, the U.S. immigration authorities only accept electronic passports (Passport 06) or Model 03 passports issued before October 26, 2006. In addition, Federal Councilor Blocher spoke about the Interpol database for stolen or lost passports and other identity documents. At the end of 2005, Switzerland was the first country worldwide to implement automated access to this database. Swiss identity documents declared stolen or lost are automatically reported via a contact office to the Interpol database. This instrument has rendered the abusive use of travel documents considerably more difficult.
In the talks conducted on Friday with U.S. Minister for Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, FBI Director Robert Mueller and U.S. Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell, the focal point of discussion was the cooperation agreement between Switzerland and the United States on the criminal prosecution of terrorist activities. Federal Councilor Blocher informed his American colleagues about the successful conclusion of the corresponding consultations in the Swiss Parliament. As he explained, the agreement had been approved by the National Council in the spring session and by the Council of States in the summer session. The deadline for a referendum expires on October 11, 2007. This agreement is to replace the Operative Working Arrangement (OWA), which was concluded in the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001, on the United States. The new agreement will enable the two states both to appoint joint investigative units and to combat terrorism and the funding of terrorism. When asked about the absence of a ban on terrorist organizations in Switzerland, Federal Councilor Blocher explained that, with regard to banning organizations, Switzerland traditionally pursued a restrained practice and that Swiss legislation had other means of combating criminal activities.
In connection with the Swiss strategy for the fight against terrorism, Federal Councilor Blocher informed his American colleagues about the Federal Act on Measures to Safeguard National Security and current work being done on the revision of this act. Furthermore, he described the basic principles of Swiss integration policy, explaining that access to gainful employment and knowledge of a national language represented the main prerequisites for successful integration.
Federal Councilor Blocher also informed his American colleagues about the present state of affairs relative to the introduction of Swiss passports with electronically stored data. In the case of Swiss citizens wishing to enter the United States without a visa, the U.S. immigration authorities only accept electronic passports (Passport 06) or Model 03 passports issued before October 26, 2006. In addition, Federal Councilor Blocher spoke about the Interpol database for stolen or lost passports and other identity documents. At the end of 2005, Switzerland was the first country worldwide to implement automated access to this database. Swiss identity documents declared stolen or lost are automatically reported via a contact office to the Interpol database. This instrument has rendered the abusive use of travel documents considerably more difficult.
Last modification: 27.07.2007