Cassis calls for dialog with Russia at the UN
Published: Tuesday, Sep 24th 2024, 23:50
Updated At: Wednesday, Sep 25th 2024, 00:30
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At the UN General Debate in New York, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd, has lamented serious violations of international law in front of the international community. At the same time, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis called for dialog with Russia in a speech at the UN Security Council on the war in Ukraine.
The peace conference at Bürgenstock NW in June helped to break down blockades and establish a beginning of trust, said Cassis. "This first step towards peace must be followed by others. It is now important to continue the dialog with Russia as well."
Switzerland thus chose a different tone than other Western countries such as the USA or France, which strongly condemned both Russia and all states that supported Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also took part in the meeting. He explained that Russia, the only aggressor in the conflict, could only be "forced into peace" by the international community.
Pragmatic diplomacy required
Cassis said it was "crucial that the Council continues to consider ways to end the Russian war against Ukraine". The Foreign Minister did not mention an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, as he had called for in New York over the past two years.
Only pragmatic diplomacy can lead out of the impasse that has already cost too many lives, the Federal Councillor continued. Mr. Cassis lamented a "loss of the grammar of peace" at the UN. "So far, this Council has not fully lived up to its responsibilities. After 1000 days of war, we have still not found a diplomatic solution," said Mr. Cassis. He went on to emphasize the importance of discussing the reconstruction of Ukraine.
"Blatant disregard" of international borders
President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd told the international community that she was concerned that tensions were escalating worldwide and new conflicts were emerging. "We are observing gross violations of international humanitarian law from Myanmar to Ukraine, from the Middle East to Sudan," said Amherd, who also noted "a blatant disregard for internationally recognized borders".
Making the decision to work better together, regardless of political regimes, economic structures and cultural differences, is a start, said Amherd. "The world must not be divided into blocs."
According to Amherd, the heavy toll that the civilian population is paying in the current crises and conflicts strengthens Switzerland's resolve to continue to regard international humanitarian law as an absolute priority. The Geneva Conventions, whose 75th anniversary is being celebrated this year, regulate the legal basis of war and thus also the protection of civilians.
"However, the latest figures from the United Nations paint a catastrophic picture of the international community. The population and civilian infrastructure are not adequately protected and are even repeatedly exposed to attacks," criticized Amherd.
Amherd concerned about disinformation
Amherd mentioned climate change and the loss of biodiversity as further challenges facing humanity, which would have existential consequences for more and more people. Finally, the President of the Swiss Confederation expressed concern about the increase in disinformation, which is undermining the free formation of opinion based on facts. "Disinformation is a poison. We want to counter it by better distinguishing between freedom of opinion and the manipulation of facts; by exposing unlawful influence, promoting open and fair debates and providing transparent and objective information as governments and international organizations."
President Viola Amherd and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis are representing Switzerland this week at the so-called "High-level Week" at the opening of the 79th UN General Assembly. The message from the two Federal Councillors to the statesmen in New York: it is high time to tackle UN reforms and strengthen multilateralism.
©Keystone/SDA
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