Bern, in special cases, can deviate from its position of neutrality, which prohibits the sale of arms to belligerent countries.
The Swiss government can, in special cases, waive initial restrictions on the export of military equipment. The corresponding amendment was approved by both houses of the country’s parliament, Swissinfo reported on Tuesday, December 19.
The center-right coalition reportedly approved an amendment to the law on military materials, contrary to the position of leftist parties in parliament. This means that a new article will be added to this law, providing that the government in the future may deviate from the initial licensing criteria for the export of military equipment abroad in exceptional cases.
At the same time, care should be taken to protect the interests of the country’s foreign policy or security policy.
Last year, Switzerland exported a record amount of military equipment. However, there is now an ongoing debate in the country about how arms exports, especially during wartime, meet Switzerland’s neutrality and the country’s humanitarian tradition, the publication wrote.
As you know, Switzerland has a so-called military materials law, which prohibits the supply of Swiss weapons to belligerent countries.
Let’s recall that in March 2023, the Council of Cantons, the upper house of the Swiss parliament, after many hours of debate, rejected a petition that provided for the provision of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine.
It was also reported that Switzerland will dispose of missiles that Ukraine will need.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.