World
Switzerland rejects stricter interpretation of its neutrality
The initiative would have prevented the nation from imposing sanctions unless approved by the UN.
BBC World•
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.
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said during a recent televised debate that "neutrality has always been applied with a degree of flexibility".