Swiss Reject Tighter Neutrality Rules  09/28 06:24

   

   GENEVA (AP) -- Voters in https://apnews.com/hub/switzerland overwhelmingly 
rejected a proposal championed by a right-wing populist party to strengthen the 
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-executive-branch-europe-mosco
w-9a74b41f135b7dd8b4ae0c5dad2396bb.

   Supporters of the plan, led by the Swiss People's Party, which includes 
members with pro-Russia leanings, argued that the government had gravitated too 
close to the https://apnews.com/hub/european-union and NATO, particularly over 
https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.

   Final results from the Swiss government showed 70% of voters, and a majority 
in all 26 of the country's regions, rejected the plan.

   The measure would have barred Switzerland from joining punitive measures 
against other countries unless they were imposed by the United Nations. Russia, 
one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, holds veto 
power over such measures.

   The vote was part of Sunday's latest round of Swiss referendums on local and 
national issues. Under Switzerland's system of direct democracy, voters 
typically cast ballots four times a year to help determine government policy.

   The proposal emerged following Switzerland's decision to join 
https://apnews.com/article/switzerland-ukraine-summit-peace-putin-russia-8fa3299
cbffb7054ebb1f6201dcdd3bc.

   Swiss neutrality has been enshrined in the constitution since the mid-19th 
century, but its meaning has been debated for years.

   The country is not a member of any military alliance. The proposal would 
have prevented the government from cooperating with an alliance -- as it has 
with NATO for three decades -- except in cases of threat.

   Supporters claim that the government has moved "dangerously close" to the EU 
and NATO in ways that threaten Switzerland's security and independence of 
action. Opponents argued that the federal government already has the leeway it 
needs to protect national interests.

   Security concerns influenced voters on both sides.

   Ruth Bolomey, a 65-year-old retiree originally from Hawaii, said she voted 
for the initiative.

   "I believe we need neutrality and should keep neutrality for security 
reasons -- for the people."

   New York native Jihad Azkoul, 78, said he voted "no" and had in mind "the 
question of what happens if Russia attacks us -- would we be, would we get 
protection from our neighbors?"

   "(They) probably would, but just to be sure," he added.