Re-export of arms must be possible

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The pressure from abroad is working: the security politicians in the Council of States want countries such as Germany, Spain and Denmark to be allowed to pass on war material they have bought in Switzerland to Ukraine. This was announced by Commission President Werner Salzmann (60, SVP).

Until now, Swiss neutrality has prohibited weapons from being delivered directly into a war zone. The rule also applies if another country has bought weapons in Switzerland. The countries must sign a so-called non-re-export declaration upon purchase.

Multiple conditions

The security politicians of the Council of States have now decided that in future the Bundesrat can limit such a declaration to five years in individual cases. However, certain conditions must be met for this: the country receiving the weapons must not commit serious human rights violations. In addition, there must be no risk that the war material will be used against the civilian population. The country must not be involved in an internal or international armed conflict. An exception only applies if the country – for example Ukraine – defends itself internationally. That is for the UN to determine: Swiss weapons may only be exported to the war zone again if the UN General Assembly approves this self-defense with a two-thirds majority or a resolution in the Security Council. According to the proposal, the amendment should also apply retroactively. This is necessary for Ukraine to really benefit.

The security politicians in the National Council also agree with this proposal. That is why the committee of the National Council must draw up a model for this. It is unclear when Ukraine will actually benefit from the decision. If the proposal passes parliament, the referendum is possible and the people decide. This may take a while. “We are only a small step further in indirectly supplying weapons to Ukraine,” says Salzmann.

Many questions are still open: among other things, it must be “investigated in detail” whether the solution is compatible with the right of neutrality.

pressure from abroad

The decision only came about as a result of massive pressure from abroad. So Germany wanted to send ammunition for Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, as well as ammunition for machine guns. Denmark had applied to supply Ukraine with Piranha III tanks. However, the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (Seco) had rejected both applications.

Several countries then announced that they no longer wanted to buy war material from Switzerland. “This could lead to arms companies leaving Switzerland,” Salzmann explains. But Switzerland needs a solid arms industry for armed neutrality. (brother)

Source:Blick