The Swiss Embassy in Guatemala is to be maintained

The configuration of the Swiss network of representations abroad is constantly being reviewed to ensure that the interests of Switzerland – according to Switzerland’s foreign policy strategy and taking into account international developments - can be safeguarded as best as possible with the means available. The FDFA strives to locate necessary funds by enhancing efficiency, so that it can satisfy new demands that appear within the network of representations. It attempts to avoid closing individual representations whenever possible, yet depending on developments in the federal budget, such closings cannot be excluded.

Against this backdrop, the Federal Council had decided to close the Swiss Embassy in Guatemala within the scope of the government’s task review (measure entitled “Optimization of the Swiss Network of Representations Abroad”) and that of its Message to the Federal Act on the 2014 Package of Measures for Consolidation and Task Review. The decision to close was one of the numerous synergy-creation measures that were necessary to achieve the savings targeted. The measure was decreed by the Federal Council following a careful consideration of the possible impact.

On 20 November, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council submitted a motion for the maintenance of the Swiss Embassy in Guatemala. At an extraordinary session of the National Council held in April 2013, the Motion was accepted by a large majority. On 6 June 2013, the Council of States followed along with the decision of the National Council. The Motion is thus adopted.

During the parliamentary debates, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter pointed out that maintaining the Swiss Embassy in Guatemala without any additional funding means that the savings-objectives targeted – and also called for by Parliament – will be unable to be met.

Address for enquiries:

Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs