Swiss Parliament voted against the amendment into a law allowing third countries to transfer Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine. But discussions on this issue will continue.
It is reported by AFP. Specifically, on Thursday, the National Council in Bern voted 98 to 75 against a bill known as “Lex Ukraine”.
The Russian invasion sparked a discussion about Switzerland’s traditionally harsh neutrality. Despite strong pressure from Kyiv and its supporters, Switzerland does not allow countries that own Swiss-made weapons to export them to Ukraine. Applications from Germany, Spain and Denmark were rejected with reference to the Swiss War Materials Act, which prohibits the supply of weapons to war zones.
The Swiss Federal Council could allow the re-export of Swiss-made weapons only as an exception if the UN Security Council condemned Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine. But since Russia has veto power in the UN Security Council, this scenario is out of the question.
Switzerland may move away from neutrality and allow the re-export of weapons to Ukraine to protect against Russian aggression. The relevant topic is raised by both politicians and civil society of the country.
Swiss political circles are discussing the possible sale of Leopard tanks to countries that supply them to Ukraine. There are many such battle tanks in Switzerland.
Source: Obozrevatel
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