The country’s hesitant attitude towards Russia is also controversial within Switzerland.
(Photo: dpa)
Zurich Switzerland could now decide on sanctions against Russia. This was indicated by Federal President Ignazio Cassis in a television interview on Sunday evening. It is “very likely” that the federal government will follow the EU on Monday and decide to freeze Russian assets in Switzerland.
The Swiss Federal Council rejected this on Friday. The country’s government had “strongly” condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Nevertheless, Switzerland did not want to take over the EU sanctions, but was content to prevent the sanctions from being circumvented via its national territory.
Cassis justified the decision with Switzerland’s “legal and political neutrality”. The aim is to “leave channels open for negotiations”. The Federal President, who also heads the foreign office in the government, wanted to bring Switzerland into play as a mediator.
There are signs of a rethink in Bern
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