Bern, Press releases, 23.12.2011

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter assumes office as head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on 1 January 2012. The President of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, handed the FDFA dossiers to her successor today.

The President of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, received Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter in the West Wing of the Federal Palace this morning and introduced him to the top-level officials of the Department. Those present were the State Secretary, the Secretary-General, and the heads of the FDFA directorates.  

It is envisaged that Federal Councillor Burkhalter will bring his closest aides with him to the FDFA. Subject to a decision by the Federal Council, Benno Bättig, the secretary-general of the Federal Department of Home Affairs, will become secretary-general of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, taking over from the incumbent, Roberto Balzaretti, on 1 February 2012. Jean-Marc Crevoisier will take up office as the new head of FDFA Information on 1 January 2012, replacing Lars Knuchel who leaves the FDFA.
Federal Councillor Burkhalter’s two personal counsellors, Damien Cottier and Jon Fanzun, will transfer to the FDFA as of 1 January 2012. 

The President of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, welcomed Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and his closest aides to the FDFA. At the same time, she took leave of her closest aides and thanked them for the services rendered. Contact:  Lars Knuchel, Head of FDFA Information, +41 79 277 55 60 


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