Vice -President Santos did not pull his punches. Friday last, in le temps, he described the Swiss attitude to Colombia as "totally inconsistent". Let Switzerland stop sheltering terrorists", he exclaimed when criticising the fact that a Swiss server facilitates the FARC Internet site.

Santos also mentioned the possibility of taking legal action against two NGO's " Lenten Action" and "Bread" that, according to him, have lead a fund-raising campaign based on erroneous and damaging tactics " by comparing victims of violence in Colombia to crushed cans". This second round of attacks is happening when we have clearly refuted the accusation of supporting FARC", is the annoyed comment of Reto Gmunder, from the NGO "Bread ". These comments puts our partners in Colombia in danger".

Pre-election tension

These comments are part of the tense situation prior to the coming presidential elections. On several occasions Berne has found itself in the line of fire of the Colombian Government at a time when Switzerland, France and Spain are involved in the delicate role of facilitator between Bogotá and FARC. In a statement published on 24 April, the Swiss Embassy in Bogotá and the Vice-President of Colombia ended the first 'misunderstandings" regarding FARC in Switzerland and the NGO's campaign. But these comments appear again.

In Berne, the Department of Foreign Affairs recalls that unlike the European Union, Switzerland does not consider FARC to be a terrorist organisation and that so their Internet site is allowed as long as its content remains within the law.

Would Switzerland's policy fall into line with that of the EU if it were not involved as a facilitator between the two sides? "Probably not", retorts Jean-Philippe Jeannerat, spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Department: "Apart from Al-Qaida, who are banned by the Swiss government on the basis of a decision made by the UN Security Council, Switzerland does not condemn any organisation as such." The Foreign Affairs Department also recalls that Switzerland has diplomatic relations with the Colombian Government and not with FARC, but that it keeps " communication channels open" with rebel forces, in order to reach a humanitarian agreement. Despite his criticisms, Santos had admitted that Switzerland has been doing "good work".