In Ukraine you have to constantly explain to people Switzerland’s position and its stance on neutrality, Wild told ArcInfo, Le Nouvelliste and La Liberté newspapers in an interview published on Monday.
“And sometimes people get annoyed,” he declared, pointing to Ukrainian bloggers who are “extremely critical” of Switzerland.
The Alpine country has come under pressure recently to review its veto over the re-export of Swiss-made tank ammunition that Germany wants to send to Ukraine. Last week the Swiss government again rejected an appeal from Berlin to allow it to re-export Swiss-made ammunition to the war-torn country.
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Switzerland refuses to budge on German ammunition request
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The government has again rejected an appeal from Germany to allow it to re-export Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine.
“Under the principle of equal treatment in neutrality law, Switzerland cannot agree to a request for the transfer of war materiel of Swiss origin to Ukraine as long as the latter is involved in an international armed conflict,” the government saidExternal link on Thursday.
Neutral Switzerland requires countries that buy Swiss arms to seek permission to re-export them. According to Swiss law, exports of war materiel must be refused if the country of destination is involved in an international armed conflict. The government says its legal situation “remains unchanged”.
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Swiss neutrality policy to remain unchanged
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Switzerland will not change its policy of political neutrality despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the government has confirmed.
Meanwhile, Switzerland announced a fresh financial aid package of CHF100 million ($100 million) for the country last week.
“The more our humanitarian aid is effective, the better we are understood,” said Wild.
The Swiss embassy in Kyiv, like other diplomatic representations, was forced to close at the end of February after the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to fears of the capital coming under prolonged shelling. It reopened in May.
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Switzerland will remain neutral – until it’s attacked
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Switzerland is neutral. So why has it been cooperating with NATO and the EU on security issues for years?
‘Kyiv already feels cold’, says Swiss president on visit
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Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, who also holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, arrived in Ukraine on Thursday morning.
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The Lufthansa Group, which includes Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) has once again extended its flight ban to Israel.
Swiss hoteliers are cautiously optimistic for the winter season
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Most Swiss hoteliers are cautiously optimistic about the coming winter season but increases costs are likely to weigh on margins.
Swiss foreign ministry memo on UNRWA funding raises alarm
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According to a Swiss foreign ministry internal memo, cutting off UNRWA supplies to Gaza could be a violation of the Genocide Convention.
Swiss justice minister reiterates call for safeguard clause with EU
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Swiss justice minister Beat Jans reiterated the Swiss demand for a safeguard clause in the free movement of persons with the EU.
Report: Germany pressures Switzerland to re-export tank ammo to Ukraine
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Switzerland faces pressure from Germany to review its veto over the re-export of Swiss-made tank ammunition that Berlin wants to send to Ukraine.
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Switzerland is among the donors trying to provide humanitarian aid to civilians. What does it take to respond effectively when war breaks out?
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Switzerland will not change its policy of political neutrality despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the government has confirmed.
‘Kyiv already feels cold’, says Swiss president on visit
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Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, who also holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, arrived in Ukraine on Thursday morning.
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