Panel Seeks to Allow Re-Exports of Swiss Weaponry to Ukraine

GENEVA (AP) A parliamentary panel in Switzerland has recommended waiving a law that bars countries from re-exporting Swiss armored vehicles, weapons and other war materiel to Ukraine for its defense against Russia, insisting the move would not violate the country's much-vaunted neutrality.

The Security Policy Committee of the lower house of Switzerland's parliament voted 14-11 Tuesday to allow an re-export exception for cases involving a use of force that violates international law notably, Russia's invasion of Ukraine 11 months ago.

Adherence to the concept of neutrality is enshrined in the Swiss constitution. The National Council committee's vote amounts to only a small first step, and it remains far from certain whether the government would authorize such a waiver.

The majority of the committee believes Switzerland must offer its contribution to European security, which requires more substantial aid to Ukraine, the committee said. It also believes the proposed amendments respect the law of neutrality since they will not allow direct export of war materiel to conflict zones, but only involve non-re-export declarations signed by purchasing countries of Swiss war material.