Cablegate: Embassy Tripoli

VZCZCXRO3559
OO RUEHBC RUEHDBU RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHFL RUEHKUK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHNP
RUEHROV RUEHSL RUEHSR
DE RUEHTRO #0900 3131639
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 091639Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5459
INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE
RUEHSW/AMEMBASSY BERN IMMEDIATE 0050
RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 1189
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 0859
RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME PRIORITY 0653
RHEHAAA/NSC WASHINGTON DC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI 6008

C O N F I D E N T I A L TRIPOLI 000900

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/MAG, EUR/CE E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/9/2019

TAGS: PREL PHUM CASC LY SZ

1.(C) The two Swiss who were taken into Libyan custody in late September were released to the Swiss Embassy on November 9, without explanation. Swiss Charge Stefano Lazzarotto told Pol/Econ Chief that whether the Swiss will be allowed to depart the country is still an open question. They are in good health, "as good as can be expected under the circumstances," according to a Swiss Government press statement. Lazzarotto thanked the USG and the Ambassador for urging the GOL to release the individuals.

2.(C) Comment: In recent weeks, the Swiss have requested the assistance of a number of third countries, including the USG, the French, and the European Union, to urge the GOL to release the individuals. EU and USG intervention with GOL officials likely contributed to the release. While the news is positive, the situation will not be resolved until the GOL agrees to allow the Swiss to depart. The countries also face the broader question of normalization of relations in the wake of this high-profile and highly sensitive conflict. Post will report further details via septel. CRETZ

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