Page 443 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

Bringing the Concept to Life

For me neutrality in no way contradicts the membership of the UN. It is
worth to remind that Switzerland which was a founding member of the League
of Nations, has accepted the status of “differential neutrality”. Today, in the
new global world which faces the challenges first of all of humanitarian nature,
one cannot be neutral vis-a-vis these challenges.

I would like to pay tribute to Swiss diplomacy which was always an effec-
tive instrument for the foreign policy. During the Cold War, Swiss diplomacy
was able to provide good offices in relations between the East and West. To-
day, while promoting the dialogue between NATO and the Partnership for
Peace participants it also demonstrates capability of contributing to the posi-
tive interaction between the North and the South. The Permanent Observer
Mission to UNOG in Geneva is very effective in dealing with the international
community here.

Among the participants of this Forum, I see a constellation of prominent
politicians and diplomats who are well known for their significant contribution
to Swiss and world diplomacy. Therefore, I believe that the discussions at our
Forum will be fruitful, rich in interesting ideas and innovative approaches.

Thank you for your attention.

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