Switzerland strongly condemns the war launched by Russia against Ukraine, actively participates in humanitarian aid to Ukraine and does everything possible to seriously implement sanctions against Moscow, Swiss President Alain Berse said on Tuesday.
“We have accepted the (EU) sanctions and obviously take this issue very seriously. We are just doing our best to seriously implement them,” Berset said at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, AFP and Agerpres reported.
There are currently several initiatives in the Swiss parliament to allow the re-export of arms and ammunition, but a decision is only expected in a few months.
Switzerland’s principle of neutrality means that Bern “does not support either side militarily.” “This is a commitment that we have made several times, in our laws and at the international level, but for us it is also a matter of trust. We cannot be asked to break our laws, we cannot be asked to do this,” the Swiss president emphasized.
He recalled that his country had frozen the assets of Russian oligarchs worth 7.5 billion Swiss francs, which is “a significant part of what was blocked on the continent.”
Switzerland is asked to allow the re-export of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine
In turn, the head of the German government said that he “hopes” for a change in Bern’s position, which at this stage refuses to allow the re-export of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine.
“We know that Ukraine needs support, in particular arms and ammunition, and that is why Germany has made several inquiries to find out what can be done to improve the situation and better take into account the needs of Ukraine,” explained the German Chancellor, quoted by AFP.
“We have taken note of the decisions taken so far and are following very closely the extremely lively debate in Switzerland,” Scholz added.
Last week, the G7 countries asked Switzerland to take more active measures against the finances of Russian oligarchs.
___
- Follow the latest events of the war in Ukraine LIVETEXT on HotNews.ro
Source: Hot News
James Springer is a renowned author and opinion writer, known for his bold and thought-provoking articles on a wide range of topics. He currently works as a writer at 247 news reel, where he uses his unique voice and sharp wit to offer fresh perspectives on current events. His articles are widely read and shared and has earned him a reputation as a talented and insightful writer.