Row over ‘export ban’ to Saudi Arabia takes new turn
The members of the Swiss governments faced public protests against a decision to ban the Stans-based Pilatus aircraft manufacturer from operating in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Keystone/ Urs Flüeler
Switzerland’s office of the attorney general has opened a criminal investigation in connection with the sale of military training aircraft to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch with Keystone-SDA/ug
The federal prosecutor’s office did not specify any defendant on Friday but said the probe was linked to alleged violations of Swiss law governing private security services.
The ministry ordered Pilatus to pull out of the two countries within 90 days. It argues the support services and the replacement of spare parts are incompatible with Switzerland’s foreign policy objectives.
The decision has drawn harsh criticism from the local business community and cantonal governments in central Switzerland. Pilatus announced plans to take the foreign ministry to court.
In 2017, Pilatus delivered 55 PC- 21military training aircraft to Saudi Arabia and the UAE – both have been involved in a military conflict in Yemen.
Pilatus has rejected the foreign ministry allegations, saying the company’s activities in Saudi Arabia are covered by a 2012 export permit.
Popular Stories
More
Foreign affairs
Why Swiss trams have become sought-after vehicles in Ukraine
Switzerland participates in ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting
This content was published on
This engagement was part of a four-day tour of Southeast Asia, aimed at advancing the Swiss Federal Council's Southeast Asia Strategy.
Majority of shareholders approve sustainability reports of major Swiss companies
This content was published on
Shareholders have approved the sustainability reports of the largest Swiss companies by a large majority at their annual general meetings.
EU releases €1.5B frozen assets to Ukraine: Switzerland opts out
This content was published on
The EU announced the release of €1.5 billion (CHF1.44 billion) in aid to Ukraine. Switzerland will not follow the EU's approach.
Five people charged in connection with deadly Swiss rockslide
This content was published on
Five people have been charged with multiple negligent homicide in connection with the deadly Bondo rockslide that occurred seven years ago.
Mountaineer dies after 100-metre fall from Matterhorn
This content was published on
A women fell down the east face of the iconic mountain on Thursday, from an altitude of some 3,460 meters above sea level.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss arms exports still at odds with humanitarian tradition
This content was published on
A Swiss historian explains how the "arms exports versus humanitarian tradition" paradox has been a recurrent theme since the First World War.
Air defence parts can be returned to Saudi Arabia, says Swiss ministry
This content was published on
Parts for Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems, which have been repaired in Switzerland, can be re-exported back to the Gulf state.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.