No Swiss action on Russian spy poisoning before investigation results
Switzerland will await the results of ongoing investigations into the poisoning of a Russian spy in the UK before drawing any conclusions, the Swiss foreign ministry said Tuesday.
This came in response to questions from swissinfo.ch on whether Switzerland would follow other countries and expel Russian diplomats to protest Russia’s alleged involvement.
“Switzerland strongly condemns the attack in Salisbury with a nerve agent of the “Novichok” class,” says the foreign ministry statement. “It underlines once again that any use of chemical weapons is contrary to international law”.
The statement also says that this “first use of a nerve poison in the Novichok class is unusual and worrying”.
More than 100 Russian diplomats from more than 20 countries were on Monday expelled by the US and some European Union countries in a coordinated response to the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, in Salisbury, United Kingdom, on March 4.
Austria, a member of the European Union, said on Monday that it would not expel any diplomats, preferring to remain “neutral” and keep the doors of dialogue with Russia open.
The Skripals, who were poisoned with what investigators say was a military-grade nerve agent, remain in a critical condition in hospital.
Although investigations are ongoing, the European Union has backed the UK’s position that all evidence points to Russia.
Switzerland says investigations by the British authorities with the help of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) are of “central importance” and that “those responsible must be brought to justice”.
“Switzerland calls for cooperation in the clarification of such violations of international law and in this context supports mechanisms and institutions that can independently clarify facts and secure evidence,” the Swiss foreign ministry statement says.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss minister wants an end to Russia sanctions
This content was published on
Economics Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann hopes sanctions against Russia will soon come to an end because they affect Switzerland’s exports.
Russian State Duma speaker lauds Swiss flexibility
This content was published on
Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Russian parliament’s lower house, has praised the “more flexible” attitude of Switzerland on sanctions.
Mediation role behind focus of Swiss-Russian talks
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter has emphasised Switzerland’s mediation role at talks with his Russian counterpart in Moscow.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.