Convoy of British military vehicles transit Switzerland

The British convoy that today drove through Switzerland from Basel to Chiasso with a Swiss Armed Forces security unit escort comprised 20 military vehicles together with personnel and aircraft maintenance equipment. The UK had requested permission to transit Switzerland in connection with the measures imposed by the UN against Libya.

UN Security Council resolution 1973, which was approved last week, calls for an immediate cease-fire and empowers the international community to take “all necessary measures” to protect the civilian population and establish a no-fly zone over Libya. As a member of the UN, Switzerland is obliged, to implement sanctions decided by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

The transit of the convoy is compatible with Swiss Neutrality Law. The Federal Council approved it on the basis of resolution 1973 of the UN Security Council on the protection of the Libyan civilian population.

For further information:
André Simonazzi, Vice-Chancellor, +41 31 322 37 03

Responsible Department:
Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, DDPS

Address for enquiries:

André Simonazzi
Press officer of the Swiss Federal Council
+41 (0)31 322 37 03
andre.simonazzi@bk.admin.ch

Publisher:

The Federal Council
Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs