Status: 04/18/2023 3:59 p.m
Switzerland is sticking to its course: President Berset said at a meeting with Chancellor Scholz that it was against the transfer of war material to Ukraine. Nevertheless, one is not indifferent to the war.
Switzerland is initially not moving from its ban on passing on war material to Ukraine. This was made clear by Federal President Alain Berset in Berlin after talks with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Swiss neutrality laws meant that the government could not provide military support to either side in a conflict. “You can’t ask us to break our own laws,” Berset said. However, this does not mean “indifference”.
“It’s important that we follow the rules”
“We strongly condemn the Russian attack and are helping Ukraine with humanitarian and reconstruction efforts,” he added. “Everyone is doing what they can to the best of their ability.” However, it must be considered “how one should, must or can develop there”. These discussions also take place in Switzerland. “It is important that we stick to the rules and adapt them if necessary,” said Berset.
Scholz had previously emphasized in general terms that the turning point was forcing everyone to rethink. Scholz confirmed that he spoke to Berset about the subject. The federal government has made several inquiries to Switzerland.
Germany asked for the release of ammunition
When ordering weapons, Switzerland requires an assurance that the material will not be forwarded to warring parties. However, Germany wants to buy unused Swiss “Leopard 2” tanks in exchange for “Leopard 2” tanks delivered to Ukraine.
In another case, the federal government wants to export Swiss ammunition for the “Gepard” anti-aircraft tank from its stocks to the Ukraine. The government in Bern has so far rejected an exemption for this, as have similar applications from Denmark and Spain.
Attempts in Parliament to change the law have so far failed. Scholz commented on the events that there was a very lively debate on the issue in Switzerland. “We hope that something will happen there,” emphasized the Chancellor. SPD foreign politician Michael Roth was disappointed. This attitude must be taken into account in future military cooperation, he told the editorial network Germany.
Assets worth billions confiscated
Nevertheless, Scholz praised the fact that Switzerland joined the western sanctions against Russia. Berset pointed out that assets of Russian oligarchs worth 7.5 billion Swiss francs had been confiscated.
His country is doing “everything that is feasible” to implement the sanctions. “Since there are so many players, we need good information exchange,” he added.
Without a slip of the tongue: Difficult talks between Scholz and Switzerland
Sabine Henkel, ARD Berlin, April 18, 2023 4:09 p.m