Swiss 'Back Seat' Fears Over UN Membership Addressed

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

03 April 2002

The Director of Global Issues at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London has dismissed fears that, when it becomes a full United Nations member in the autumn, Switzerland will be forced to take a back seat with regard to decisions made by UN members.

This, along with concerns over the country's long-cherished neutrality, was one of the main arguments put forward by critics during the Government's campaign for the country to become a full member of the UN after over 50 years as an observer.

However, following the 55% 'yes' vote achieved in Switzerland last month, Dr Nicola Brewer has stressed that there will be many opportunities for the jurisdiction to participate in the activities of the multilateral organisation. Speaking to the Swissinfo news service, Dr Brewer said that the country would not be at the beck and call of the 'big five' permanent Security Council members- the United States, Britain, France, China, and Russia.

'I think it's an exaggeration to say that they control the agenda,' she observed, adding that: 'There is plenty of opportunity within the UN system, as a full member, for Switzerland to play a full part in the General Assembly, but also, for example, in chairing individual committees where a single country can make a significant impact.'

She also stressed the active role that Switzerland has already played in UN agency activities despite its observer status, pointing to the United Nations Development Programme, the Demining Institute, and the International Committee of the Red Cross as examples.

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