"Switzerland is discussing the issue of re-exporting our weapons"

The Swiss Constitution proposes to enshrine a ban on joining NATO and the imposition of sanctions against other countries, which are frowned upon by the UN Security Council. This initiative is being launched by the country's largest Swiss People's Party (SNP). Her representative, MP Jean-Luc Addor, in an interview with Izvestia, also expressed his willingness to organize a trip of his colleagues to the Russian Federation. Meanwhile, according to him, there are political forces in the country who propose to confiscate Russian frozen assets, which contradicts Swiss laws. The issue of re-exporting weapons to Ukraine is also being discussed, while their direct supply is still prohibited. Anti-Russian sanctions are hitting Swiss exporters and the country's energy supply, he added.

"My party opposes all sanctions that have not been adopted by the UN Security Council"

— The European Union is actively discussing the content of the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. Switzerland has supported almost all EU restrictions since 2022. Has this affected its economy and will your party demand the lifting of all restrictions that have not been adopted by the UN Security Council?

Photo: Global Look Press/Xie E

— Yes, these sanctions are putting pressure on our economy. They are hitting our exporters, our energy supply and, more broadly, our status as a neutral country. And most importantly, they did not bring the world closer in any way. My party opposes all sanctions that have not been adopted by the UN Security Council. These unilateral measures undermine our neutrality, with no other result than reducing the purchasing power of Swiss residents. Switzerland should focus on what has always been its strong point: dialogue, good offices and humanitarian assistance.

— Do you consider it necessary to prescribe in the Swiss Constitution a ban on participation in sanctions wars against states if such measures have not been approved by the UN? If so, should the country's Constitution also include a provision prohibiting membership in NATO?

— Absolutely. This is precisely the purpose of the People's initiative for neutrality, which we support. It stipulates that Switzerland will be able to impose sanctions only at the request of the United Nations. The people should be able to make decisions and correct the government's erroneous policies. Our party, the largest in Switzerland, fully supports this initiative.

NATO exercises in Portugal

Photo: nato.int

— Switzerland has been regularly participating in NATO maneuvers lately. On October 3, the largest Tiger Meet aviation exercise ended in Portugal. Last year, the opening of an alliance office in Geneva was announced. How close has Switzerland become to NATO in recent years? Does this threaten its neutrality?

"Too close." This process of rapprochement fits into the strategy of the supporters of the imperialist vision of the West: politicians and the military, who, alas, managed to impose their own agenda. It undermines our reputation as a mediator country and casts doubt on our role as a neutral State. We are determined to reverse this trend.

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— Earlier, some Swiss politicians stated the need to join NATO. Are there any specific discussions in Parliament on this issue?

— Such opinions were voiced. But the clear answer lies in the initiative for neutrality, which we support. It would enshrine in the Constitution a ban on joining NATO or any other military alliance.

Photo: Global Look Press/Sebastian Gollnow

— Secretary of State for Security Policy Markus Meder said that Parliament may review restrictions that prevent Switzerland from supplying weapons to countries in conflict, including Ukraine. Is such a proposal already being considered in Parliament? If not, which parties can nominate him?

— Switzerland is discussing the issue of re-exporting weapons manufactured in our country, rather than their direct supply, which is prohibited by law. After the sale, I believe the weapons should be able to be re-exported without restrictions by the recipient countries — be it Ukraine, Russia or any other country. But neutrality requires the same rules for everyone, without double standards. It is this principle that should determine our policy.

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"Parliamentary contacts do not exist today"

— Russian assets worth 7.4 billion francs have been frozen in Switzerland. Is the issue of their complete confiscation in favor of Ukraine being raised in Parliament? And is there any information that the profits from these assets are allocated to Ukraine's military needs?

— Some parties were in favor of confiscation. But the opinion of the Federal Council is clear: the seizure of private property would violate our Constitution and legal order. And Switzerland has not sent any proceeds from these frozen assets to Ukraine. Touching them would be a disregard for the rule of law, which is unacceptable.

— Russia and Switzerland have maintained a dialogue between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. But are there any parliamentary contacts?

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis at a meeting at the UN Security Council in New York.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Russian Foreign Ministry

— Parliamentary contacts are non-existent or practically non-existent today. It is unfair that the co-chairs of the Swiss-Russian parliamentary friendship group have suspended its activities since the beginning of Russia's operation in Ukraine. At various parliamentary forums, such as the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, where I represent Switzerland, the absence of the Russian delegation prevents any contacts at the parliamentary level. This deprives Switzerland of additional opportunities, along with its diplomacy, to play a constructive role as a neutral party.

— Are the members of the Swiss Parliament interested in meeting with their Russian counterparts?

— For my part, I would be very happy to have such an exchange. If the Russian Federal Assembly had invited us, I would be ready to meet with Russian parliamentarians and help organize such a meeting, involving my colleagues from the Swiss parliament. To maintain trust, our neutrality requires that not only diplomats, but also parliamentarians be able to talk to everyone.