The Lebanese in Switzerland denounce the Federal Council’s too-soft line in the face of military escalation in their country of origin. In a letter sent Thursday to Berne, which RTS was able to consult, the signatories demand several concrete measures.
Why isn’t the Confederation getting more involved? This is the question asked by more than 400 Lebanese in Switzerland.
As violence between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies in Lebanon, they call on the Federal Council to take a clearer line: “We ask that Switzerland try to become more actively involved in establishing respect for humanitarian law, that is to say, discussing with the different parties who are at war at the moment”, explains Noëlie Audi-Dor, initiator of the letter addressed to the government.
She specifies two other measures: “We would like Switzerland to denounce much more actively the fact that there are civilians who are impacted by the war in Lebanon at the moment. We also ask that the Confederation release funds for Lebanon. “
Aid planned and a call to cease hostilities
However, Switzerland has not remained inactive. For example, it has just proposed an additional 7 million francs in humanitarian aid for Lebanon and Syria. She also called on all parties in the Middle East to cease hostilities.
Insufficient measures, for Noëlie Audi-Dor: “We need to know more precisely who the Confederation is denouncing when it makes these declarations. Switzerland is president of the United Nations Security Council at the moment. I have the impression that “she has a rather unique power to organize bilateral conversations, to speak also with the great powers.”
When contacted, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed having received the missive. He plans to respond soon.
Mathieu Henderson
Related News :