“Swiss abroad know the need for openness and solidarity”

“The Swiss abroad know the need for openness and solidarity and should not hesitate to remind Switzerland of those virtues,” said Swiss President Ruth Dreifuss in her August 1st National Day address to the Swiss living abroad.

“The Swiss abroad know the need for openness and solidarity and should not hesitate to remind Switzerland of those virtues,” said Swiss President Ruth Dreifuss in her August 1st National Day address to the Swiss living abroad.

The president, who is also interior minister, said the Swiss abroad were experiencing different cultures and habits each day and therefore knew how important it was for a society to embrace foreigners, different cultures and a different way of life.

Switzerland must not isolate itself, Dreifuss warned.

While Switzerland remained committed to peace, democracy and political independence, the country was dependent on close relations with the international community.

Switzerland is a prosperous and well-respected nation – but only achieved that status because of its close economic and cultural links with the international community, Dreifuss said.

She also referred to the conflict in Kosovo, which led to tens of thousands of refugees seeking shelter in Switzerland.

“The war in the Balkans, and the many Kosovar refugees in Switzerland, have reminded the Swiss population of the importance of helping asylum seekers,” Dreifuss said.

She underlined Switzerland’s commitment to remain an open society and called on the Swiss abroad to maintain – or even step up – their relations with their “home country.”


Written by SRI staff