"The government is facing criticism for its decision to allow the resumption of war materiel exports to Qatar.
The delivery of laser targeting devices worth a total of SFr737,200 ($793,000) was suspended last summer after the Middle Eastern state violated an arms proliferation ban. Swiss-produced munitions were found in the hands of rebels in Libya.
The Switzerland without an Army group said the decision by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) was ludicrous.
“It is scandalous to sell arms to Qatar. Earlier this year its armed forces, together with the armies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, invaded Bahrain to suppress a peaceful pro-democracy movement,” a statement said.
The pacifist group argues that Switzerland is sending the wrong signal if it tolerates a violation of Swiss laws and treaties.
“Switzerland obviously does not mind if it gets walked over as long as the arms industry can make a profit.”
“It is scandalous to sell arms to Qatar. Earlier this year its armed forces, together with the armies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, invaded Bahrain to suppress a peaceful pro-democracy movement,” a statement said.
The pacifist group argues that Switzerland is sending the wrong signal if it tolerates a violation of Swiss laws and treaties.
“Switzerland obviously does not mind if it gets walked over as long as the arms industry can make a profit.”
The case of Qatar is merely the tip of the iceberg, according to the group. “Seco as a rule does not check whether the countries adhere to the non-proliferation provisions.”
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