Poll Shows Majority Of Swiss Voters In Favour Of UN Membership

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

21 February 2002

A poll conducted by the GFS Institute in Switzerland has revealed that a majority of Swiss citizens are now in favour of joining the United Nations, showing an increase of 4% on a survey conducted last month.

The GFS poll, the results of which were compiled on the basis of interviews with 1,271 potential voters, showed that 54% of those questioned were in favour of joining the multilateral organisation, with 37% opposed, and 9% undecided. GFS also revealed that there were clear regional divides, with voters in the French speaking region of the country leaning towards UN membership, a thin majority in favour in the German speaking region, and a majority opposed in the Italian speaking areas.

The issue is to be put to a nationwide vote on March 3, and in order to proceed with plans to fully join the United Nations, the Swiss Government and other pro-membership bodies will need the approval of a majority of voters and the majority of the country's 26 cantons.

Opponents of the move from observer to full member have expressed fears that joining the UN could compromise Switzerland's neutrality, and have pointed to the additional cost of full membership. However, the Government disagrees, and has stated that the country could increase its international credibility by becoming a member.

Speaking in January, Swiss President, Kaspar Villiger, observed that: 'If we are not a member, it is not to the detriment of the UN, but the detriment of Switzerland.' Foreign Minister Joseph Deiss supported this statement, adding: 'We already pay our dues to the UN. It's time for us to have a few rights as well.'

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