The case, Pilate threw this fall, a spotlight on an equally delicate as flourishing branch of the local export economy: Swiss companies to foreign armed forces to help with a variety of services. And even then, if the foreign armies are involved in war.
While the Department of foreign Affairs (FDFA) in the case of Pilate, still clarifies that the activities of the cantonal aircraft manufacturer in Saudi Arabia against the so-called mercenary or violate the law, interpret the research suggests that the operations of Swiss companies for foreign armed forces generally increase significantly. The number of messages for the mercenaries to act competent authority the EDA has doubled compared to the 2017 almost. Last year, Swiss companies reported a 50 stakes for foreign armed forces. This corresponds approximately to the value of 2016. In the first ten months of the year 2018 78 notifications were made to the EDA, as the Federal government tells on request. By the end of the year, it is likely to be over 90.
politicians hold the development for concern
A spokeswoman for the foreign Department, however, warns not to take this growth to the nominal value. We assume that the increase in messages going back to the information work of the Federal government. Thanks to the sensitization by the authorities, the companies concerned were informed today increasingly, about the mercenary act reporting obligation. Say: The companies follow the have only three years in power a new law enacted today is better.
In Parliament, the increase in messages causes however, anxiety. “There is much evidence to suggest that the activities of Swiss companies growing abroad”, says the SP-security politician Priska Seiler count. This is a very worrying development and to their evaluation of the neutrality is not compatible. “Finally, these companies provide highly sensitive services in the context of military actions.” Priska Seiler-count demands that the Federal government provides more resources for the Monitoring of these activities. “The suspicion is that the authority is not endowed with intention, to the economy to be too troublesome.”
The EDA confirmed that the increase in messages for the officials to mean more work. The competent body is trying to cope with the increased business load with existing resources.
for Three different categories
to be Reported three different categories of services for foreign armed forces: first, the operational or logistical support for Swiss companies – including some of the troop transports, the conversion of civil aircraft for military use or supply of military goods to fall. Secondly, the maintenance and operation of weapons systems. Thirdly, the training and advising foreign armed forces. Are banned in contrast, all of the services that constitute a direct and immediate participation in hostilities. (Tages-Anzeiger)
Created: 19.12.2018, 09:00 PM