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Kerry takes downtown Geneva chocolate break

Did Swiss chocolates sweeten the pot for US Secretary of State John Kerry in his role in Geneva talks over Iran’s nuclear future?

Kerry takes downtown Geneva chocolate break
John Kerry sips water during Geneva press conference on Sunday. Photo: Alexander Klein/AFP

Kerry threatened to leave Geneva after arriving on Saturday as progress seemed to stall in the negotiations, but that afternoon he took a break to visit a family-owned chocolate shop in the city centre.

Authorities cordoned off a section of the main shopping precinct downtown while Kerry paid a visit to Auer, a well-known chocolaterie, 20 Minutes reported online.

The one-time presidential candidate waved to the roped off crowd as he exited from the shop after buying chocolates.

A cavalcade of around half dozen vehicles provided an escort for Kerry, who ultimately ended up staying in Geneva overnight ahead of participating in a historic deal on Sunday aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The owner of the chocolate shop, Philippe Auer, was thrilled by the American politician’s appearance.

“It was a totally improvised visit,” Auer told 20 Minutes.

“He came to buy chocolate for his wife,” he said.

“It was wonderful.”

It’s not the first time a well-known American personality has descended on the shop, founded in 1939 and known for its truffles, ganaches, pralines and other sweet delicacies.

“Last year, Arnold Schwarzenegger came to see us,” Auer said.

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