The FDFA clarifies its position as follows

Press release

Bern, 26 August 2008

Rectification

Following publication of an AFP report which erroneously stated that the head

of the FDFA favoured dialogue with Al-Qaida and Bin Laden, the FDFA

clarifies its position as follows :

1. In her speech to the ambassadors, the head of the FDFA spoke of dialogue as

an instrument of foreign policy.

2. She mentioned the appropriateness of such dialogue and the limits in which it

should take place.

3. In this context, she asked the rhetorical question of whether entering into a

dialogue with Bin Laden could be considered as a possibility.

4. She did not state that she would promote such a dialogue, nor has she

proposed such a dialogue.

5. To put an end to this controversy once and for all, in practice there is no

question of the FDFA proposing a dialogue with Osama Bin Laden.

Comm/26-08-08