Swiss government rejects neutrality initiative

It is not necessary to define Swiss neutrality more strictly, according to the Swiss government. The Federal Council has rejected the so-called “neutrality initiative” without proposing a counterproposal and has transmitted its message to parliament to debate the issue. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The "Safeguarding Swiss Neutrality” (neutrality initiative), launched by the Pro Switzerland group and right-wing supporters from the Swiss People’s Party, calls for perpetual and armed neutrality to be enshrined in the country’s constitution. It also demands that Switzerland should not join any military or defence alliance. Cooperation with such organisations should be limited to cases where Switzerland is attacked. The text also demands that Switzerland should not take part in foreign wars or impose economic or diplomatic sanctions against a belligerent state, subject to its obligations to the United Nations. Finally, Bern must make use of its neutral ...