Switzerland rejects stricter interpretation of its neutrality
The initiative would have prevented the nation from imposing sanctions unless approved by the UN.
Reporting preview
Russia openly backed the initiative, which would have required Switzerland to seek UN approval for sanctions
Voters in Switzerland have overwhelmingly rejected a stricter interpretation of the country's tradition of diplomatic neutrality.
More than 70% of Swiss voters rejected proposals that would have prevented the European nation from imposing sanctions without UN approval, official results showed.
The move would have also prevented Switzerland from pursuing closer ties with the Nato military alliance.
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has reopened the debate around Switzerland's centuries-old non-alignment.
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