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Position of the Swiss Federal Council on the vote on the people's initiative on 3 March 2002

Switzerland says 'yes' to UN membership

Switzerland is to join the United Nations. Today, both the people and cantons have accepted the popular initiative on Swiss membership of the United Nations.

The Federal Council is very encouraged about this important step in domestic and foreign policy. It considers that Switzerland will now be better able to safeguard its interests and assume its responsibilities in the world. This is why the Federal Council committed itself fully to support the initiative. The Federal Council thanks all voters for the confidence they have expressed with their 'yes' vote.

Membership is not only an additional foreign policy instrument, it is above all a demonstration of Switzerland's solidarity with the world. It is a clear signal that Switzerland wants to commit itself to working with all other countries in solving world problems, be these poverty, suffering, illness or war.

Today's "yes" is a commitment:

UN membership commits the Federal Council to work more effectively in solving these problems.

However, it will also enable the Federal Council to represent Switzerland's interests in the forum of the international community – not only in its own interests but for the benefit of all.

The "yes" vote is also a commitment for the Federal Council to defend and uphold those values which make Switzerland the country it is. Through its policies, the Federal Council will do everything within its power to win the support also of those who voted against UN membership. Switzerland as a country has gained.

Within the scope of what is now open to us, we will be able to contribute our values, our traditions and our good offices to the United Nations. The Federal Council will stick to its word. As a member of the UN, Switzerland will remain what it is, a strong democracy, a sovereign state, a neutral country. As a member of the UN, however, our vocation to international solidarity – with the weakest in particular – will be to better effect. Everyone stands to gain from this.

How do we proceed from here? Today, the Secretary-General of the United Nations will be informed of the result of the ballot. The Federal Council will then submit its application for entry to the United Nations in time to allow Switzerland to participate as a member in the 57th regular session of the General Assembly in autumn 2002.

SWISS FEDERAL CHANCELLERY
Information
Berne, 3 march 2002