Swiss Government Holds Off on Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine
Swiss Government Holds Off on Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine
By Catherine Bosley
Switzerland said it pursues a policy of neutrality, holding off on implementing sanctions following Russias annexation of Crimea.
The government has decided that Switzerland will if needed take measures to prevent its territory from being used to circumvent current and future sanctions imposed by the international community, the Bern-based body said in a statement today. It reserves the right to adopt or partially adopt sanctions imposed by the European Union, the U.S. or other countries.
Ukraines crisis has pitted Russia against the U.S. and its allies, the most serious such confrontation since the demise of the Soviet Union. The U.S. has imposed asset freezes and visa bans on Russians and Ukrainians, including political and business figures close to President Vladimir Putin. The 28-nation EU has put 51 people on its blacklist.
Last month, the Swiss government ordered banks to freeze the assets of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and his entourage. Swiss Economy Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann also suspended trade talks with Russia. It also has banned armament exports to Russia.
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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-26/swiss-government-holds-off-on-russia-sanctions-over-ukraine-1-.html
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