Switzerland Will Not Recognise 'Sham' Ukraine Referendums

Date

9/21/2022 4:10:07 AM

(MENAFN- Swissinfo)

Switzerland has joined other Western nations in condemning Russian plans for referendums in four occupied areas of Ukraine.

This content was published on September 21, 2022 - 09:26 September 21, 2022 - 09:26 Keystone-SDA/jc

Speaking on Tuesday at the UN General Assembly in New York, Swiss President Ignazio Cassis said the planned referendums were against the law. 'Switzerland will not recognise the results of such referendums because they violate territorial integrity, which is an integral part of the UN Charter,' Cassis told journalists. 'We invite Russia to refrain from such sham referendums.'

Cassis had already sharply rebuked Russia for its aggression in Ukraine and called on Moscow to end the war immediately. He said this stance was compatible with Switzerland's neutrality.

Switzerland would not participate militarily in the ongoing conflict, but neutrality does not mean indifference or lack of solidarity, Cassis said in his speech. 'We are committed to upholding the principles of freedom, democracy and the rule of law - values that are enshrined in our federal constitution,' he continued.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced a partial military mobilisation of reservists, leading to fears that the war could escalate. This comes after Russian-backed officials announced plans for urgent referendums in four regions of Ukraine currently held by Russia. Administrations in Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia say the referendums on joining Russia will begin this Friday.

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