Swiss diplomat to Tehran summoned after Iranian general killed
The Swiss embassy in Tehran, which represents the interests of the United States in Iran, has been called upon to convey messages between the two countries following the killing of an Iranian general by a US air strike.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Español
es
Irán convoca a diplomáticos suizos tras ataque de EE UU
Switzerland has called on both sides to avoid escalating an already volatile situation.
Iran has threatened “revenge” following the death of Qasem Soleimani in Iraq on Friday. The US has confirmed that President Donald Trump had ordered the strike against the head of the Iranian elite Quds Force.
The Iranian foreign ministry tweeted that it had summoned officials from the Swiss embassy to express outrage at the “assassination of General Soleimani”, saying it was a “blatant example of American state terrorism”, reports the Swiss news agency, Keystone-SDA.
In an emailed statement to swissinfo.ch, the Swiss foreign ministry “confirms that the chargé d’affaires of the Swiss embassy in Tehran was summoned to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 3 January 2020.”
“The chargé d’affaires was summoned in connection with the protecting power mandate under which Switzerland represents the interests of the United States in Iran and which also allows a diplomatic channel of communication to be maintained between the US and Iran. The Swiss communication channel is fulfilling its function.”
The statement added: “In view of recent developments in the region, Switzerland calls on both sides to avoid any further escalation.”
Neutral Switzerland offers its “Good OfficesExternal link” between countries that have cut off official ties due to disputes.
“Switzerland can build bridges where others are prevented from doing so, because it does not belong to any power bloc and does not pursue a hidden agenda,” states a Swiss foreign office website.
The death of General Soleimani, viewed by the US as a sponsor of terrorism, has ratcheted up tensions considerably.
More
More
What are Switzerland’s good offices good for?
This content was published on
As tensions and oil prices rise in the Middle East, the Swiss foreign ministry is offering its good offices. But what are they?
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
TradeXBank to resume full operations after Sberbank Switzerland taken off sanctions list
This content was published on
TradeXBank, the former Swiss branch of Russia’s Sberbank, will be able to resume its dollar-denominated activities from the second half of this year.
Geneva decides not to remove controversial memorials
This content was published on
The city of Geneva has presented an action plan regarding a series of controversial local statues and monuments of historical figures linked to racism, colonialism or slavery.
University of Lausanne calls for end to pro-Palestine sit-in
This content was published on
The pro-Palestinian occupation continues at the University of Lausanne (UNIL). On Monday evening, a group of students refused to agree to the deadline set by the rectorate.
Ukraine peace conference should include Russia, says Chinese ambassador
This content was published on
China supports a peace conference on the Ukraine war that would see equal participation of all parties, says Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui.
This content was published on
A majority of Swiss citizens have open attitudes towards various infertility treatments, including even egg donation, which is currently prohibited.
Reports of Swiss cyber fraud almost doubled in six months
This content was published on
The head of the new Federal Office for Cybersecurity (FOC), Florian Schütz, has presented a new strategy after just over four months in office.
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Cassis has called on the US to facilitate the provision of aid to Iran to de-escalate tensions between the US and Iran.
Remembering Switzerland’s role in the American hostage crisis in Iran
This content was published on
A Swiss documentary looks at how Swiss diplomats found themselves at the centre of a geopolitical flashpoint 40 years ago.
Iran protests to Swiss envoy over US drone airspace ‘violation’
This content was published on
Iran has reportedly protested to the Swiss envoy in Tehran over what Iran said was a violation of its airspace by a US drone.
Swiss foreign minister concerned about war risk in the Middle East
This content was published on
The recent drone attacks on Saudi oil installations have intensified Switzerland’s role as intermediary between the US and Iran.
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.