SVP parliamentary group calls for Russia to be invited to peace conference
Published: Tuesday, Jun 4th 2024, 16:40
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The SVP parliamentary group is concerned about the holding of the Ukraine peace conference on the Bürgenstock next week. In a statement, it calls for Russia to receive an official written invitation to the event.
In a parliamentary group statement published on Tuesday, the SVP writes that the conference on the Bürgenstock on June 15 and 16 must not degenerate into a "one-sided propaganda and armaments conference". The Federal Council is responsible for ensuring that the conference does not lead to further escalation.
In view of the perpetual, armed and comprehensive Swiss neutrality to which the SVP aspires, the Swiss government must ensure that all parties to the conflict are involved. "Accordingly, the Federal Council must do everything in its power to ensure that the Russian side also participates in the Bürgenstock Conference." This includes an official written invitation from Russia by the Swiss Confederation.
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) writes on the peace conference website that Russia has not been invited "at this time". However, Switzerland has always shown openness to extending an invitation to Russia for this conference.
However, according to the FDFA, Russia has said several times - including publicly - that it has no interest in participating in this first conference. The SVP interprets this as a sign "that Swiss neutrality is no longer recognized by all parties to the conflict", as the parliamentary group statement goes on to say. The rejection is a consequence of the Federal Council's hasty partisanship following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and a consequence of Switzerland's unreserved acceptance of EU sanctions.
According to the FDFA, the high-level conference is intended to initiate a peace process. Switzerland is convinced that Russia must be involved in this process. A peace process without Russia is unthinkable. The SVP also welcomes the peace efforts in principle.
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