Swiss National Council adopts motion calling on Government to organize Nagorno Karabakh peace forum

The Swiss National Council, the lower house of the Parliament, voted 96 to 80 with 16 abstentions to adopt a motion calling on the Federal Council to organize an international peace forum on Nagorno Karabakh next year.

A majority in Parliament is of the opinion that Switzerland should facilitate an open dialogue between Azerbaijan and representatives of the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians.

“It should be conducted under international supervision. The aim is to “negotiate the safe and collective return of the Armenian population historically resident there,” the lawmakers say.

The motion now goes to the Council of States, the upper house of Parliament. The national government will be tasked with organizing the conference if the Council of States approves the proposal.

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis opposed the motion.