Why Switzerland does not sanction the United States for the attack on Iran

Context

In brief

• Switzerland does not impose sanctions on the United States for the attack on Iran
• Every war is different, says Ignazio Cassis
• Switzerland could lose friendly relations with other countries

Key facts

• What: Interview of Ignazio Cassis on neutrality and sanctions
• When: September 27, 2024
• Where: Bern
• Who: Ignazio Cassis, federal councilor
• Amount: Not specified

In a face-to-face interview live from Bern, federal councilor Ignazio Cassis answered questions from the 20 Minuten editorial team and readers on the neutrality initiative, which is up for a vote on September 27. The central theme of the exchange was the price Switzerland might have to pay, internationally, depending on the outcome of the vote, with an eye already on the parallel dossier of treaties with the European Union.

Sanctions against Russia and not the United States

Cassis excludes that a yes to the initiative would expose Switzerland to direct sanctions, as he believes it would not constitute a violation of international law. However, the price would be paid elsewhere: "But they will be less accommodating and much less friendly towards us; relations will cool off. This is as certain as death and taxes," he said. On the military front, it is even clearer: in case of acceptance, cooperation with NATO would be "clearly" limited. Sanctions by the UN would also theoretically remain possible, but the veto power of the great powers would make them effectively unenforceable against Russia, the United States, or China. On the sanctions already in place against Moscow, Cassis defends a considered decision: "Such a violation of international law cannot be simply condemned; we must prove with concrete facts that we cannot accept it." When asked why other countries, such as the United States for the attack on Iran, are not sanctioned in the same way, he replies: "A good question, which allows me to say that every war is different." He recalls that the UN has also not intervened, blocked by the American veto, and that Swiss law only allows autonomous sanctions if imposed by the UN or the main commercial partners, i.e., the EU; Bern has nevertheless condemned the raid on Tehran and suspended arms supplies to Washington.

International situation "very difficult"

Cassis emphasizes the relationship with Brussels the most. The parliamentary debate on the bilateral treaties with the EU will take place in the fall, and for the federal councilor, stable and calm relations with the neighbors are of crucial importance today, in a context that he describes without equivocation: "The geopolitical situation is changing rapidly, and not necessarily in the right direction." The rules that protect Switzerland, he adds, "are increasingly being questioned," in what he describes as a "very difficult" historical phase. When pressed on his possible departure from government before the popular vote on the EU treaties, Cassis does not commit: "If I knew when this referendum would be held, I could give an answer," he said, thus avoiding confirming or denying a possible re-election in 2027. As for the accusation, coming from Moscow and Zelensky, of a lost neutrality, Cassis replies that the Russian reaction was "obviously predictable" from a sanctioned state, while on the Ukrainian charge, he limits himself to a laconic: "I do not know exactly what they are referring to."

Operational details

Practical Implications for Switzerland

The interview with Ignazio Cassis highlights the potential consequences of the vote on the initiative for neutrality. If Switzerland were to adopt a neutral stance, it could face several challenges, including the loss of friendly relations with other countries and the limitation of military cooperation with NATO. Additionally, Switzerland might have to deal with UN sanctions, although the veto power of major powers would make them effectively inapplicable against Russia, the United States, or China.

Comparison with Other Nations

Switzerland does not impose sanctions on the United States for the attack on Iran, unlike other countries. Cassis explains that every war is different and that Switzerland cannot simply condemn the actions of the United States without demonstrating concrete facts. This balanced approach could influence Switzerland's position in the future, especially in a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.

Concrete Scenarios

If Switzerland were to adopt a neutral stance, it could face several challenges, including the loss of friendly relations with other countries and the limitation of military cooperation with NATO. Additionally, Switzerland might have to deal with UN sanctions, although the veto power of major powers would make them effectively inapplicable against Russia, the United States, or China. However, if Switzerland were to not adopt a neutral stance, it could maintain stable relations with neighbors and continue military cooperation with NATO. This scenario could influence Switzerland's position in the future, especially in a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.

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Key points

Concrete actions for Swiss citizens

Swiss citizens must remain informed about the votes and parliamentary debates on the neutrality initiative. It is important to follow the news and participate in debates to better understand the implications of the vote. In addition, Swiss citizens must be prepared for any changes in Switzerland's international relations, especially in a rapidly changing geopolitical context.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Inform yourself: Follow the news and parliamentary debates related to the neutrality initiative. 2. Participate: Participate in the debates and express your opinion. 3. Prepare: Be prepared for any changes in Switzerland's international relations.

To learn more, visit the calcolatore stipendio.

Source: tio.ch