Cassis under fire for weak response to Ukraine atrocities

The foreign minister, and current president, Ignazio Cassis, is being criticised for failing to condemn the atrocities committed by Russian troops in Ukraine – even when given two attempts.

On Sunday the ministry issued what is being considered a very mild statement which simply called on ‘all sides’ to adhere to international humanitarian law. 

Several party leaders say they believe that was too weak – Social Democrat member, Fabian Molina, summed up many opinions when he called it ‘insanely soft’. 

Then yesterday Cassis told the press that in diplomacy it’s important to keep a ‘cool head’ and says an independent investigation is needed to find out who is responsible for the atrocities. Notably avoiding the term – ‘war crimes.’ 

The former president of the ICRC, Jakob Kellenberger, says when civilians are shot that’s a clear violation of international law and you should use plain language. 

More from Bitesize News

  • Twint scam warning

    Switzerland has launched a national campaign to help the public spot online scams that exploit the Twint payment app

  • Water ban in parts of Valais

    Val de Bagnes has banned residents from using the irrigation network to water gardens and lawns, as Valais water reserves fall to critical levels

  • New insurance premium initiative

    Switzerland's Socialist Party is expected to launch signature collection today for an initiative linking health insurance premiums to household income

  • Rail link critical

    The Lausanne-Geneva rail line must be Switzerland's "absolute priority", according to the country's public transport association

  • Income not enough for many households

    Nearly 360,000 Swiss workers already earn too little to support their households, and the imminent health premium announcement threatens to push more families under

  • Speed limit decrease in parts of Lausanne

    Several new streets in central Lausanne will drop to 30 kilometres per hour from 12 October, day and night, according to a letter the city has sent to affected residents

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play