War in Ukraine causes reconsideration: Council of States wants to make it easier to pass on Swiss weapons

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Parliament has already made several attempts to allow arms shipments to Ukraine, at least indirectly. However, so far all proposals have failed. Most recently, the National Council sank the so-called “Lex Ukraine”, which allowed war material to be re-exported only to Ukraine. Germany could have passed on ammunition for cheetah tanks and Denmark could have supplied wheeled Piranha armored cars.

There was a glimmer of hope for supporters in the Council of States on Wednesday morning. Two attempts to relax the War Materials Act were under discussion. They too were very controversial. In the end, however, the proponents prevailed.

Small relaxation

The proposal from the National Council Security Committee wants to allow the transfer of arms to belligerent states like Ukraine if the UN Security Council determines an attack in violation of international law or if the UN General Assembly votes by a two-thirds majority Decides that the prohibition of the use of force under international law has been violated. However, the National Council has already rejected the second point, leading the debate ad absurdum.

The Council of States also wants non-re-export bans for countries that share Swiss values ​​to only apply for five years. The target countries must undertake to transfer arms only to countries not engaged in an armed conflict – unless they exercise their right of self-defense under international law.

Concerns about Switzerland’s reputation

“Think about the message we send with a rejection: Switzerland is falling short in its efforts to ensure security and stability in Europe,” said FDP councilor Thierry Burkart (47). Switzerland’s neutrality must be accepted by third parties. “However, at the moment it is not understood.”

If you want to be neutral, you have to accept it, said SP councilor Daniël Jositsch (58). “The few weapons we could allow Ukraine could hardly contribute to peace.”

However, Ukraine is far from relying on Swiss weapons. After the yes of the Council of States, the Security Committee of the National Council now has to decide again. She has so far clearly rejected the proposal. The bickering is likely to continue.

Source:Blick