Attempts by right wing parties to stop Switzerland taking a seat on the UN Security Council have failed.
The Lower House of Parliament rejected the motion for Switzerland to withdraw its candidacy. Opponents say this country taking a seat on the council risks its neutral status.
But the foreign minister, and president, Ignazio Cassis, says it’s in the interests of Switzerland to take the seat and it will not compromise neutrality.
He says the position will be used to promote peace and the international rule of law.
Cassis says that’s more necessary than ever in these dark times.
The Upper House will vote on the withdrawal of the candidacy next week – but commentators believe it will also be rejected there.
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