SWITZERLAND HOLDS REFERENDUM ON NEUTRALITY

BERN, SEPTEMBER 27 /SRNA-RIA Novosti/ - Swiss citizens are voting today in a referendum on preserving the country's neutrality, following a proposal by the Federal Popular Initiative group.

The proposal seeks to establish in the Constitution that Switzerland's neutrality is permanent and protected, and to prohibit the country from joining any military or defense alliance, taking part in armed conflicts between third countries, or imposing sanctions on states involved in war.

Exceptions would include sanctions imposed by the United Nations.

Switzerland's neutrality has been guaranteed by its 1848 Constitution. While maintaining its neutrality, Switzerland currently cooperates with other countries to strengthen its security and may participate in sanctions regimes.