WEF: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter stresses Switzerland's willingness to provide comprehensive support for Syria peace talks
Bern, 21.01.2016 - At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter discussed with various partners the situation in the Middle East and possibilities to end the Syrian conflict. He underscored the need to clarify the steps to a peaceful solution through dialogue, which was why every effort must be undertaken to ensure that the Syria talks are able to go ahead next week in Geneva. One topic of his meetings, including those with US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif, was also humanitarian access to those in need in the conflict zones.
In the discussions on the current situation in the Middle East, Mr Burkhalter's partners were all in agreement that the UN Security Council resolution on Syria of 18 December 2015 was an important basis for the upcoming discussions on a political solution to the Syria conflict. Resolution 2254, which also includes a specific road map for peace, was a milestone following years of deadlock and a basis to work towards lasting peace, said Mr Burkhalter in his discussions with Mr Kerry and Mr Zarif. It was important now for all parties to take the necessary steps to ensure that the resolution will also be implemented. That is why he called for all outstanding issues to be resolved to allow the peace talks to begin in Geneva next week. Mr Burkhalter assured his discussion partners that Switzerland would continue to support the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura.
Switzerland has supported the UN in its efforts to resolve the Syria crisis since 2012. This support includes providing the UN special envoy for Syria with constitutional and mediation experts. In addition to this expertise, Switzerland lends organisational and logistical support in preparing discussions and conferences in Geneva.
Mr Burkhalter also stressed that humanitarian access to those in need in Syria absolutely must be improved. "Humanitarian aid should not replace the search for political solutions," he said, "but it is crucial to ensure that the people in the region continue to have hope that the situation is improving".
Switzerland has been working for some time as part of its humanitarian diplomacy to improve conditions for the work of humanitarian actors in Syria. Furthermore it has been supporting projects in Syria's neighbouring countries to improve people's living conditions. Switzerland's financial assistance in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq totals over CHF 200 million to date. In September 2015, the Federal Council discussed additional resources to improve relief supply in the refugee camps and host countries, and at the same time alleviate the pressure on refugees to travel on to other countries.
The prevention of violent extremism must be a priority, emphasised Mr Burkhalter. "We must address the causes that drive people into the hands of terrorist organisations", he said in Davos, listing a lack of opportunity and prospects in society and the economy, marginalisation and discrimination, unjust administration, breaches of human rights and the rule of law and latent and unresolved conflicts as possible causes.
Switzerland is strongly committed to the prevention of violent extremism, which is why it supports the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF). The Geneva-based fund promotes local initiatives to prevent violent extremism among groups at risk. Mr Burkhalter also called for the development of a positive regional agenda in spite of the many problems in the Middle East. He cited the potential for more domestic and intergovernmental cooperation in the area of water management as an example. Through various projects as part of its 'blue peace' diplomacy, Switzerland is working to encourage people to use water as a driver of cooperation and peace in the region rather than as a potential source of conflict.
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