Alpine countries join forces against right-wing extremism

Justice minister Ruth Metzler pledged to clamp down on right-wing extremism Keystone

Ministers from Europe's alpine nations have pledged to work together to combat right-wing extremism at a meeting in the German border town of Constance.

In a joint statement, the ministers – from Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, France and Liechtenstein – said they would work together to combat right-wing extremism, illegal immigration, trafficking in immigrants, and money laundering.

They also criticised the United States and Canada for doing too little to combat right-wing propaganda on the Internet.

The issue of right-wing extremism has caused increasing concern in Switzerland and Germany recently, following attacks on foreigners in both countries.

The ministers’ statement came after they had considered recommendations for increased security cooperation prepared by a working group, which began its research a year ago.

They also strongly condemned the trafficking in immigrants, in the wake of the deaths of 52 Chinese immigrants who suffocated while being smuggled into the English port of Dover.

On the issue of money laundering, the Swiss justice minister, Ruth Metzler, said Switzerland would be implementing the working group’s recommendations as soon as was practical.

She added that there was no indication that Swiss banking secrecy was hindering efforts to combat money laundering.

The meeting was attended by the interior ministers of Switzerland’s five neighbours as well as Metzler.

swissinfo with agencies