Reports from international observers or statements from participating countries

Swiss Federal Council Passes 96-80 Motion for Nagorno-Karabakh Peace Forum, Parliament Bans Hezbollah with 126 Votes

Dec 17, 2024, 04:33 PM

The Swiss Federal Council has passed a motion with a vote of 96-80 and 16 abstentions, calling for Switzerland to host an international peace forum. The forum aims to facilitate an open dialogue between Azerbaijan and representatives of the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians under international supervision. This initiative is seen as a step forward in securing the right of return for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, specifically the safe return of Armenians. Switzerland's National Council has approved this motion, with parliamentarians MullerAltermatt and WalderNicolas explaining the significance and next steps. In a separate development, the Swiss parliament's lower house has approved a proposal to ban the Lebanese militia group Hezbollah, describing it as a paramilitary terrorist organization. The ban against Hezbollah passed with 126 votes in favor, 20 against, and 41 abstentions, despite opposition from the Swiss government, citing Hezbollah as a threat to international security and aiming to secure the right of the expelled population to safely return home.