Switzerland has banned Spain from sending Swiss-made anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine, in accordance with its doctrine of military neutrality.
The State Secretariat for the Economy (Seco) "
has rejected Spain's request of January 16, 2023 regarding the
re- export to Ukraine of two
35mm anti-aircraft guns from Switzerland
", a spokesperson said. Fabian Maienfisch, to AFP.
Swiss neutrality
In recent months, Switzerland had already refused two German and one Danish requests concerning the transmission of war material to kyiv.
When exporting war material, the States sign a declaration of non-re-export with Switzerland.
According to the Federal Law on War Material, Swiss exports of war material must be refused if the country of destination is involved in an international armed conflict.
However, Russia and Ukraine are involved in such a conflict.
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As with the applications from Germany and Denmark, that of Spain was examined taking into account these same criteria.
“
Switzerland has therefore responded negatively to this request by referring to the principle of equal treatment
” provided for by the law on neutrality and the law on war material.
Germany's request was for Swiss-made ammunition for armored air defenses.
Denmark's request was for 22 Piranha III armored vehicles produced in Switzerland.
In June 2022, the Federal Council - government - had however considered "
possible
" the delivery of war material in the form of assembly elements or spare parts to European armaments companies, even if the manufactured war material is likely to be sent to Ukraine.
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The debate on neutrality has been revived in Switzerland by the government's decision to adopt all the sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union since February 24, 2022 and Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Various initiatives are underway in Parliament to relax the rules on the re-export of war material, but no decision is expected for several months.
The relaxation envisaged in Parliament is in any case welcomed by the Swiss armaments industry, which fears that certain States will decide to obtain supplies elsewhere.
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