Swiss reinforce sanctions against Taliban

The Taliban's treatment of women has drawn widespread international condemnation Keystone Archive

The Swiss authorities have decided to impose a tougher sanctions regime against the ruling Taliban movement in Afghanistan. The move brings Switzerland into line with a United Nations resolution passed last December.

Announcing the measures on Wednesday, the government said the Taliban would no longer be able to maintain offices in Switzerland. It also banned the movement’s higher-ranking representatives from entering the country or using it as a transit route.

Other measures include a ban on all forms of military assistance to the ruling militia in Kabul – arms sales were already covered by an embargo – as well as a flight ban: Ariana Afghan Airlines is no longer allowed to operate in Switzerland.

Sales of acetic anhydride, often used to transform poppies into heroin, have also been blocked. Afghanistan is a major producer of the drug.

The move comes after the government imposed limited sanctions on the Taliban last October. Those included the arms embargo, financial sanctions and a visa ban on the Taliban’s rulers.

As part of the new measures, the authorities have frozen more assets belonging to individuals and companies with links to the Taliban. Accounts belonging to some 170 people and firms are now blocked.

The Taliban recently attracted worldwide condemnation for destroying the world’s largest Buddha statues, dating back to the fifth century. The movement’s strict interpretation of Islamic law has also been widely criticised by the international community.

swissinfo with agencies