The end of the historical paradox

Switzerland decided to join the UN

Switzerland, which has long hosted the European headquarters of the UN on its soil, has finally decided to join this organization itself. Yesterday, in a referendum, this initiative was approved, albeit with a minimal margin, at both required levels: about 53% of voters and 12 out of 23 cantons were in favor of joining the United Nations. A particularly high result was achieved in Geneva, where two-thirds voted for joining the UN survey participants. In the country as a whole, more than 60% of voters took part in the referendum - an unusually high figure.

Previously, the status of "perpetual neutrality" kept Switzerland from joining the United Nations. If in the 1920s supporters of joining the League of Nations won with a minimal margin, then in 1986 three-quarters of voters rejected the idea of ​​UN membership. This time, almost all political parties, associations of bankers and entrepreneurs, the largest companies and, finally, the government of the country spoke out in favor of joining the world community. Enormous funds were allocated for the campaign campaign, almost every day debates were held on television, radio, and on the pages of newspapers, and most editorial offices also unequivocally took a position in the “yes” camp. “Times have changed, the Cold War is over and the UN has become a body of cooperation,” says Foreign Minister Joseph Deiss. “Switzerland actively participates in UN humanitarian operations, ranks sixth among donors, but has no say in decision-making.”

The leader of the “No” party, popular politician and businessman Christoph Blocher had no doubt about the need to continue to actively participate in humanitarian operations of the world community. But, in his opinion, a membership contribution to the UN budget would be a waste of money, since Switzerland does not have the opportunity to influence the decisions of this organization. Blocher and his supporters consider the UN to be an example of an undemocratic structure, all of whose members are hostage to the policies of the five permanent members of the Security Council, especially the United States. Skeptics fear that joining the UN would force Switzerland to participate in international sanctions and operations that could go against its national interests.

To refute this thesis, the government took the unprecedented step of publishing in advance a draft letter to be sent to the UN secretary general if Switzerland says yes to the referendum. It specifically states that accession is possible only if the UN respects the country's traditional neutrality. Secretary General Kofi Annan has already stated that the UN will take into account the peculiarities of Switzerland's position.

According to many politicians, the vote showed a significant shift in sentiment in favor of greater openness in the country. But despite this, the government should not rush into ideas of involving Switzerland in other international organizations such as the European Union or NATO.

Vladimir SHUROV, Geneva