An attack on the son of an American diplomat in Geneva has caused concern within the international community there.
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swissinfo.ch and agencies
In emails and a memo directed at its Geneva-based staff, the United Nations has urged people to be careful in the city late at night.
A month ago, the victim was assaulted by a gang of youths, who beat him with metal rods. A passing cyclist was able to summon help.
The attack also prompted a response from the Foreign Ministry. On Monday, it announced that President Micheline Calmy-Rey had written to Geneva authorities to express her concern at “the deterioration of the security situation in Geneva in recent months”.
The UN told the Swiss News Agency on Monday that such problems exists in every city, and that it had not intended to stigmatise Geneva.
US officials have been in touch with the Swiss authorities regarding the incident. No arrests have been made.
“We regret the violence committed against this young American and have confidence in the Swiss authorities’ ability to apprehend those responsible,” Alex Daniels, a spokesman for the US embassy in Bern, told The Associated Press.
“We also appreciate the Swiss government’s cooperation on security and safety matters.”
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