Brussels, 18/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - “Switzerland has freight ships navigating in the Gulf of Aden and they must be protected”, the Swiss federal adviser for foreign affairs, Micheline Calmy-Rey, said on Wednesday 18 February. In her view, the protection of the Swiss merchant navy crossing waters off the Somali coast is only possible “in solidarity with the European Union” as Switzerland does not have any warships. She said her country could contribute to the military operation, Atalanta, headed by the EU-led force, EU NAVFOR, with the sending of soldiers and the mobilisation of legal personnel (see EUROPE 9799). Although supported by the federal adviser, the decision to have Swiss participation in this operation has not yet been taken. The federal government has still to give its stance on this and, where necessary, the national parliament has to endorse the decision. Part of the Swiss right-wing is opposed to the proposal, mainly for questions related to national neutrality.
A possible financial contribution by Switzerland is important but is “not the priority, as one needs troop participation”, said Javier Solana, EU High Representative for CFSP. He felt that, if Switzerland were to decide in favour of EU NAVFOR participation, “there would be no problem about modalities” for participation in the military operation. Europeans would be in favour of Swiss soldiers being assigned to European force patrols. To date, the latter has five frigates and three surveillance aircraft. Five acts of piracy have been prevented by the European force, the Council says. Other third countries - Croatia, Norway and Ukraine - are also said to be discussing with the EU on possible participation in the EU NAVFOR operation.
Ms Calmy-Rey and Mr Solana spoke during their meeting of other foreign policy issues, such as the Middle East and Iran. The EU foreign policy chief said the EU and Switzerland were “on the same wavelength” when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that they had the “same determination to assist and rebuild” the Gaza Strip. Ms Calmy-Rey is to meet European External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner probably end February to make a general inventory of EU/Swiss relations, just a few days after the renewed authorisation allowing European citizens to work in Switzerland and its extension to Bulgarian and Romanian workers (see EUROPE 9836). (M.B./transl.jl)