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.
Lack of smartphone sustainability in Switzerland hits environment
This content was published on
Almost half of all Swiss citizens hang on to their old smartphones, tablets and laptops, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Police clear out pro-Palestinian students protesting in Geneva
This content was published on
The police intervened early on Tuesday to dislodge pro-Palestinian students who had been occupying the University of Geneva for almost a week.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
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.