‘Various allies have reservations about Switzerland’

Stoltenberg met Defense Minister Viola Amherd in Brussels. He then described the exchange with Amherd in an interview with the “Tagesanzeiger” as a “very good meeting”. Switzerland and NATO would cooperate well in many areas, for example in the field of cyber security or the Kosovo mission.

Stoltenberg is less happy with Switzerland’s position on the war in Ukraine, even though he puts it diplomatically: “We fully respect Switzerland’s neutrality. Every country has the right to choose a path.” However, this is exactly what Vladimir Putin wants to ban with the invasion of Ukraine’s neighboring country.

For Stoltenberg it is clear that values ​​that are important to Switzerland are also defended in Ukraine. «Namely the right to independence and sovereignty». There is no question of neutrality in this respect. Ukraine exercises the right of self-defense enshrined in the UN Charter. It is absolutely in accordance with international law.

When asked whether Switzerland should approve arms shipments from European NATO countries, the Norwegian answered bluntly: “Yes, absolutely.” He does not want to describe Switzerland as a freerider and profiteer, as the US ambassador to Switzerland recently did, but: “I call on the Federal Council to give NATO allies who have purchased equipment and ammunition from Switzerland the opportunity to use in support of Ukraine.”

The head of NATO also makes it clear that Switzerland’s restraint in the war in Ukraine is not well received by all NATO member states. For example, the wish of the Swiss military to participate in more NATO exercises in the future will probably not be fulfilled or will only be fulfilled to a limited extent. Stoltenberg:

The head of NATO also commented on the relationship with China and the visit of its president Xi Jinping to Vladimir Putin: You can see that Russia and China are getting closer and have therefore adjusted the strategic concept.

At the same time, the 64-year-old welcomes China’s efforts, at least superficially, to resolve the conflict through a peace plan. positive elements. At the same time, however, they do not want a ceasefire that would freeze the conflict and give Russia time to regroup. (con)