National Council wants to allow delivery of protective vests to Ukraine
Published: Wednesday, Feb 28th 2024, 13:50
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The National Council wants to allow the export of protective equipment such as bulletproof vests and helmets for the civilian population to war zones such as Ukraine. On Wednesday, it was the first chamber to adopt a corresponding motion from the Green Liberal parliamentary group.
The Grand Chamber adopted the proposal by 94 votes to 91 with seven abstentions. It will now go to the Council of States.
The Federal Council was against the motion. In its written response, it stated that according to the Hague Convention of 1907, Switzerland, as a neutral state, must treat both warring parties in the Ukraine war equally with regard to the export of war-related goods. However, the Swiss government was willing to ensure that the sanctions imposed on Russia did not hinder humanitarian action in Ukraine.
In the Council, Economics Minister Guy Parmelin referred to the exceptions that had been defined with regard to the export of demining equipment to Ukraine.
Beat Flach (GLP/ZH) argued on behalf of his parliamentary group that international law had evolved since 1907. He referred to the prohibition of aggressive war in the UN Charter. A weighing up of interests was therefore necessary - even if there was a risk that protective material would be used for military purposes. Protective vests, for example, could also be designed in such a way that they are only suitable for civilian use.
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