Switzerland, long known for its neutrality, has recently drawn attention for its growing involvement in international issues that seem to diverge from its principles of impartiality. The cases of Ukraine and Karabakh are the latest examples, raising questions about whether the country is truly maintaining its neutral stance.
Switzerland, which already faced challenges with its summit on Ukraine in July, is now planning a so-called “peace forum” on the issue of Armenians who voluntarily left Karabakh. Given that the Ukraine summit did not produce significant results, it is unlikely that this new forum on Armenians, who chose not to live under Azerbaijan’s jurisdiction, will be any more successful. Western political actors continue to foster these expectations, but instead of providing real solutions, they offer only promises and illusions.
According to reports, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swiss Federal Assembly passed a resolution mandating the Federal Council to organize a peace forum within a year. The goal is to facilitate an open dialogue between the Azerbaijani government and—importantly—representatives of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. This initiative, clearly influenced by the Armenian lobby, touches upon familiar themes such as “ethnic cleansing” and “destruction of cultural heritage.” The Armenian side tends to emphasize these points, yet it is essential to consider Azerbaijan’s perspective in this discussion.
Additionally, according to Armenian media, Swiss authorities are expected to respond to questions about recognizing the “right of Karabakh Armenians to return” and potentially raising the issue of “ethnic cleansing” at COP29. This persistent pressure from the Armenian lobby is remarkable, but it also casts doubt on the objectivity of these demands.
It’s crucial to remember that Azerbaijan did not force Armenians to leave Karabakh—they made that choice themselves. The matter of their return should be addressed through direct dialogue between the relevant parties, rather than being imposed by external actors. If Switzerland were genuinely committed to its neutrality, this so-called peace forum would not only address the Armenians who voluntarily left Karabakh, but also the Azerbaijanis who were forcibly displaced from Armenia during ethnic cleansing and deportations. Swiss policymakers should also acknowledge the destruction of Azerbaijani heritage and the desecration of Muslim holy sites by Armenian forces. Only then could Switzerland rightfully claim to be neutral.
The irony in this situation is that Switzerland, while clearly siding with Armenia in this resolution, continues to present itself as a neutral party. True neutrality would mean taking into account the interests and grievances of both sides, including the damage inflicted upon Azerbaijani culture and the suffering of displaced Azerbaijanis. However, the current discourse largely overlooks these concerns.
In this light, any attempts to hold a one-sided forum will likely be a waste of resources. Organizing conferences and summits that engage only one party in the conflict without involving all key stakeholders does little to foster genuine peace. Switzerland must reconsider its approach and embrace a balanced dialogue if it hopes to preserve its reputation as a truly neutral mediator on the global stage.
