The Swiss Senate approved the re-export of weapons to third countries

Deputies of the Council of Cantons, the upper house of the Swiss Parliament, approved an initiative to allow the re-export of weapons and ammunition produced in the country to third countries that are involved in armed conflicts, the press service of the Parliament reported.

“States buying Swiss military materials should be allowed, under certain conditions, to re-export them to countries involved in military conflicts. The Council of Cantons reaffirmed this position.” leads TASS message.

At the same time, it is noted that the countries buying weapons will still be required to sign an agreement on the impossibility of re-export, but the duration of this agreement will be limited to five years for countries that share the values ​​of Switzerland. It also means the possibility of such transfers to countries involved in armed conflicts, if they “use their right to self-defense in accordance with public international law.” Now the initiative must be considered by the National Council (lower house of parliament).

At the same time, earlier on June 2, the National Council rejected a proposal to relax the rules for the export of military equipment to Ukraine. Opponents of this initiative considered that if it were adopted, the neutrality of Switzerland would be violated. On the same day, the issue of arms re-export was discussed at a meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and his Swiss counterpart Alain Berset.

The foreign policy of Switzerland, according to the constitution of this country, is based on the international legal status of permanent neutrality, which dates back to 1815. The country is not included in any of the military alliances, nor in the European Union. This status also prohibits sending weapons directly or through re-export to countries participating in armed conflicts. Now there is a separate embargo on supplies to Russia and Ukraine. At the same time, Switzerland joined all EU sanctions against Russia.