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International Peace Day, Saturday 21 September 2024: ‘Call to Youth – Reject militarism and war’

by Mairead Corrigan Maguire,* Nobel Peace Laureate

(27 September 2024) I would like to thank the Youth of the world for all they do to reject violence, militarism and war. I have been inspired wherever I have travelled by the imagination, courage and resistance of so many young people. They give me great hope for the future of humanity.

Vote on WHO treaties in parliament thanks to a motion

Federal Council should use right of objection (“opting out”) to stop the automatic adoption of the International Health Regulations (IHR).

by Ralph Studer*

(20 September 2024) (CH-S/uc) On 26 September, the National Council and the Council of States will decide together whether WHO agreements can be approved or rejected by the Federal Council alone or whether the agreements must be submitted to parliament – the legislature – for a vote. So far, the Federal Council has not given any indication that it intends to avert the impending loss of sovereignty for Switzerland by accepting the amended “International Health Regulations” (IHR).

Neutrality or NATO?

Swiss neutrality or war alliance with NATO?

Fateful vote in Switzerland

by Jean-Paul Vuilleumier, chief-editor of “Swiss Standpoint”

(20 September 2024) On 29 August 2024, the “Report of the Security Policy Study Commission” was presented at the Bern Media Centre at the invitation of Federal President Viola Amherd. The “Study Commission”, set up in June 2023 by Viola Amherd, head of the “Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport” (DDPS), has written a 70-page report on how, in her view, a “future-oriented security policy” should be designed.

Assange is free – but the fight for freedom of expression has only just begun

The WikiLeaks founder had to plead guilty to “conspiracy”. As a result, freedom of the press is under threat as never before

by Michael Straumann,* Switzerland

(20 September 2024) The world held its breath when Julian Assange was finally released after 1901 days of solitary confinement. But at what cost? Almost two months have passed since his release, and the quality journalism media has already turned to business as usual. The Assange case must be our daily memorial. It requires a meticulous reappraisal. This is no less than a scandal of the century for journalism and a declaration of bankruptcy for the West, which likes to present itself as a “community of shared values”.

Neutrality or NATO?

After me the deluge …?

by Christian Campiche,*Lausanne

(20 September 2024) Viola Amherd is flirting with NATO. She is entitled to her passions. The problem is her status as President of the Swiss Confederation. Head of the army, yes, but above all a national symbol. A country that has made neutrality its raison d'être over the past two centuries.

Neutrality or NATO?

The battle for neutrality begins!

Security policy study commission on NATO-course

(13 September 2024) Lauterbrunnen, 29 August 2024 – The “Study Commission on Security Policy” appointed by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) presents its report. The one-sided commission turns its back on Swiss neutrality and calls for military affiliation with NATO and the EU. The Commission is despondent and denies Switzerland’s sovereignty in terms of security policy and independent national defence. It wants to offer military services abroad and hopes for military assistance in return. It is playing with fire and making Switzerland a party to the war.