The Qatar embassy in Bern organized a reception around the World Cup on Tuesday evening. A seduction operation to restore the image of the controversial event which will begin on November 21. While all federal elected officials were invited, only a handful responded.
The Qatari authorities pulled out all the stops during the reception on Tuesday evening at the ambassador’s residence in Bern.
The approximately 150 guests were welcomed by a dozen hostesses. On the forecourt of the building, the organizers had planned a play area, with a photo booth, where people might pose in front of a giant replica of the official World Cup ball.
Here, no air-conditioned stadiums, but heaters installed in tents set up for the occasion, in the gardens of the residence.
Only a few elected UDC present
While the 246 parliamentarians received an invitation, only five elected UDC were present, noted the RTS on the spot.
Among them, party president Marco Chiesa chose to participate in the event only out of politeness, he said, and not to talk politics: “If there is something to do or discuss, it is not during this evening. Tonight they are celebrating the organization of the World Cup. The objective is perhaps also to say that they have done things as well as possible.”
And to note Switzerland’s links with Qatar, particularly in terms of energy: “It is a major gas producer.” When asked if he has received gifts in the form of match tickets, for example, the president of the UDC replies: “No, never. It’s a funny question.”
Avoid annoying topics
Unsurprisingly, no controversial issues – suspicions of corruption, thousands of deaths on construction sites, environmental issues – were addressed. On the contrary, the organizers proudly displayed the models of the eight stadiums where the matches will take place.
Several speeches followed for regarding thirty minutes. Qatar’s ambassador to Switzerland Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari said he hoped the World Cup would silence some critics.
FIFA’s number two, Secretary General Fatma Samoura, insisted on the good progress of the organization. “For the first time in the history of the World Cup, a country was ready six months before the start of the event,” she said.
“Football is a basis for dialogue”
SVP national councilor Lars Guggisberg also spoke, as chairman and captain of the Parliament football team. In his speech in English, he spoke above all of gathering and unity.
Isn’t there a certain hypocrisy in participating in this type of reception? On the contrary, replies Lars Guggisberg: “It’s very important to talk together. Football is a basis for dialogue and diplomacy.”
Mathieu Henderson
