Council of States does not want to allow weapons for Ukraine

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Switzerland is coming under increasing pressure. There is no understanding abroad that the Bundesrat prohibits other states from passing on war material for reasons of neutrality. For example, Denmark is banned from selling Swiss Piranha wheeled infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, Germany is banned from selling Cheetah tank ammunition, and Spain is banned from selling anti-aircraft guns.

Recently, Berlin has also asked Switzerland to mothball Leopard 2 main battle tanks. They are intended to replace tanks that Germany and other EU countries have supplied to Ukraine. And Defense Secretary Viola Amherd (60) is open. For that, however, parliament would have to dismantle the tanks.

“That would put us in the kitchen of hell”

The Council of States set the first course on Monday. And a small majority wants to stick to Swiss neutrality. Swiss weapons are still not allowed to be supplied to warring parties – not even indirectly.

The decision was on the cutting edge. With 23 votes in favor and 18 against, with two abstentions, the small chamber decided against a motion by FDP chairman Thierry Burkart (47). They wanted to relax the recently tightened War Materials Act. This would lift the re-export ban for countries with the same values.

“Then we would end up in the devil’s kitchen,” warned Peter Hegglin (62), member of the Central Council of States. He was convinced that Swiss weapons would not end the war faster – on the contrary: “They would lead to even more deaths.”

Center is split

While the SVP was clearly against easing export rules because of neutrality on the one hand, and the SP and Greens for pacifist reasons on the other, the FDP supported their president.

The middle party was divided: alderman Heidi Z’graggen (57) spoke out against any violation of neutrality: “Is that why we are morally disinterested? Of course not!” But Switzerland should not be involved in a war under any circumstances.

Her fellow party member Benedikt Würth (55), on the other hand, spoke of a turning point. Because of the new starting point, the issue must be approached again – in the interest of the country.

However, like SVP Minister of Economic Affairs Guy Parmelin (63), the majority of the Council wanted nothing to do with it.

Representatives of all parties also addressed the Bundesrat. The state government urgently needs to show more leadership in such a difficult situation. The proponents of a relaxation of export rules criticized the fact that the Bundesrat hid behind neutrality and simply did nothing.

However, criticism also came from those who value neutrality more highly. The Bundesrat is also too passive for them. There is a clearer condemnation of this war, which is against international law, and much more humanitarian aid than before is needed.

Source:Blick