Joseph Deiss campaigns for armed forces abroad

Swiss participation in the KFOR peace-keeping troops in Kosovo are appreciated, said the Federal Council member in his speech. However, the Swiss soldiers in Kosovo really only have a symbolic function because they are unarmed and under the protection of the Austrian contingent. “In this capacity, we are a burden to our partners in Kosovo,” said Deiss. He went on to say, “We cannot continue to contribute to the international effort in such a simple way forever.” Deiss concluded his speech with a plug for Switzerland’s entrance into the UNO by saying, “It is an illusion to believe that the UNO will continue to entrust non-member states with their special missions.”

(la/sda)