Several thousand people show solidarity with Ukraine in Bern
Published: Saturday, Feb 24th 2024, 17:40
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On the second anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine, several thousand people expressed their solidarity with Ukraine in Bern. Swiss politicians called on Saturday for their country to do more for Ukraine.
At the rally, SP National Councillor Jon Pult praised Ukraine for not only defending itself, but also standing up for freedom and democracy in Europe. It was a duty to do much more for Ukraine, for example in humanitarian terms or financially, in order to promote reconstruction.
In addition, Pult said, Switzerland must finally relax the re-export of weapons. This demand was met with much applause from the rally participants.
"No business with Putin", demanded Green National Councillor Balthasar Glättli. Switzerland must finally freeze state or state-affiliated Russian funds and oligarch money. The money must be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine, Glättli demanded.
And Reto Nause, a centrist member of the National Council, called on Switzerland to "stand behind Ukraine like a man, like a woman". Acting neutrally means respecting international law, said Nause. Russian President Vladimir Putin was trampling this underfoot. Switzerland must not allow itself to be intimidated in its commitment to Ukraine.
"We must not tire now," warned Polish Ambassador Iwona Kozlowska. Ukraine needs support and help more than ever. Kozlowska encouraged the Ukrainian ambassador, Iryna Venediktova, who was also on site.
Against war financing
The Ukrainian Association Switzerland called for the rally in Bern. It was supported by a broad cross-party alliance including left-wing and green parties as well as the center, the EPP and the FDP. Trade unions, aid organizations and the Swiss Reformed Churches were also among the supporters.
Among other things, the alliance demanded that Russian war financing via Switzerland be consistently prevented with the implementation of the sanctions. Switzerland must make an active contribution to the peace formula in Ukraine. This could be done, for example, by participating in the establishment of a special tribunal to investigate war crimes committed.
The authorized rally was peaceful. The rally participants gathered in the afternoon on Schützenmatte near Bern railroad station and then marched to Bundesplatz. A sea of blue and yellow flags flew there. Many people carried banners or had otherwise decorated themselves in the national colors of Ukraine. A singer framed the program.
©Keystone/SDA
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