Cassis represents encounters between warring factions

Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis (61) explained Switzerland’s position on the Russian offensive in his speech to the UN Security Council. From a military point of view, Switzerland does not favor any of the warring factions – so it again rejected any arms exemptions that security politicians would like.

But Cassis made it clear again on Friday: neutrality does not mean indifference. As a depositary and party to the Geneva Conventions, Switzerland was deeply shocked by Russian aggression against Ukraine, the foreign minister said.

Switzerland is ready to “bring everyone to one table”

He also reiterated calls for Russia to “immediately withdraw all troops from Ukrainian territory”. Over the past 12 months, the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Conventions have been flouted. “We must do everything we can to ensure that they are observed in Ukrainian territory that is in flames and blood.”

Cassis also proposed a meeting “in the spirit of the Geneva Conventions”. Switzerland is always ready “to bring everyone around the table to work towards better compliance with international law and ultimately peace”.

Second UN speech in two days

In a speech to the UN General Assembly on Thursday, Cassis had already urged compliance with international law. As a representative of Switzerland, he also supported a resolution that, among other things, calls on Russia to withdraw and emphasizes Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The meetings of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council were held on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Russian invasion. (SDA/sf)

Source:Blick