According to information obtained through diplomatic channels, the Swiss Federal Government strongly opposed the organization of the “International Peace Forum on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict,” which was adopted at the initiative of the Armenian diaspora during hearings in the Swiss Senate on March 18.
Swiss Federal Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis emphasized during the discussions that the government adheres to an objective and balanced approach and does not accept any provocative actions. He stated that peace initiatives between Azerbaijan and Armenia can only be implemented with the consent of both parties. The minister reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to international law and fair peace processes, noting that Azerbaijan and Armenia did not support the initiative proposed in the Swiss Parliament. He also stressed that the parties had already agreed on the text of a peace agreement and that, in this situation, external interventions were unnecessary.
The minister stated that Karabakh is the territory of Azerbaijan and that a country like Switzerland cannot violate international law. I. Cassis noted that this parliamentary initiative could damage the country’s image and that its consideration by the Federal Government would only be possible if the positions of both parties were taken into account. A number of senators supported the minister’s stance.
Furthermore, another motion was put forward suggesting that the proposal be sent back to the commission for revision. It was argued that Switzerland traditionally offers its good offices in conflicts only when acting as a neutral mediator. However, the justification for this initiative was so one-sided that Azerbaijan would not agree to participate in a peace summit under such conditions.
The motion also called for the Federal Council to invite representatives of the Karabakh Armenians to the forum alongside Azerbaijan. However, it was emphasized that, unlike Azerbaijan, they are not subjects of international law, as Karabakh is legally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. These representatives cannot enter into legal obligations, such as signing a peace agreement. The correct counterpart for Switzerland in any negotiations is Armenia. If peace talks are to take place, they should involve Azerbaijan and Armenia as the main parties, a position also supported by the Federal Council.
Additionally, it was pointed out that Armenia and Azerbaijan are already engaged in bilateral peace negotiations. The Federal Council stated that Switzerland’s mediation is currently not requested. Consequently, the motion was deemed inappropriate and should be rejected.
However, if Switzerland still wishes to offer itself as a neutral mediator in this conflict, the wording of the motion must be revised. The revised motion could instead mandate the Federal Council to contact the leadership of both Azerbaijan and Armenia and offer Switzerland’s good offices to facilitate a peace agreement between the two nations as soon as possible.
The Swiss Federal Government’s firm position on the parliamentary initiative effectively nullifies the prospects for implementing the decision adopted by the Senate.
