【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】

According to AFP, on August 19th local time, Ignazio Cassis, a Swiss federal councilor and foreign minister, stated that despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Russian President Putin, if Putin comes to Switzerland for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Switzerland will grant him "immunity".

Previously, French President Macron suggested that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine hold bilateral meetings in Switzerland.

Cassis said at the press conference that in specific circumstances, Putin would be allowed to enter Switzerland. He said, "This is related to our diplomatic role, Geneva is the (European) headquarters of the United Nations."

He mentioned that last year, the Swiss government clarified the rules for granting "immunity" to people restricted by ICC arrest warrants. He said, "If this person comes to attend a peace conference, not for private reasons," they could receive "immunity".

Cassis emphasized that Switzerland is fully capable of hosting such meetings and pointed out that the country has rich experience in this area. However, he also pointed out that since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, Switzerland has decided to impose sanctions against Russia in line with the EU, and as a result, Russia has taken a cold attitude towards Switzerland.

He mentioned that in recent months, when he contacted Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, he "continuously reiterated the willingness to organize such meetings." But he added, "I was told that since Switzerland adopted the EU's sanctions measures, their natural interest in holding meetings in Switzerland has decreased."

Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis Social Media

Cassis mentioned the precedent of the sixth World Speakers' Conference held in Geneva last month.

According to the introduction, the conference was held from July 29 to 31 in the Palais des Nations in Geneva, and Valentina Matviyenko, Chairperson of the Russian Federation Council, attended the meeting despite international sanctions. Switzerland stated that its actions comply with the law and international agreements. A spokesperson for the Swiss Foreign Ministry said at the time that Switzerland can authorize "exemptions" from travel restrictions, "especially if the person is attending an international conference".

AFP reported that Putin's last visit to Geneva was in June 2021 when he held a summit with then US President Biden. The most recent bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul, Turkey, which, although a NATO member, is seen by Russia as a more friendly country.

On the previous day (August 18th local time), Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visited the White House to meet US President Trump, accompanied by several European leaders. After the meeting, all parties stated that if everything goes smoothly, a trilateral meeting among the US, Ukraine, and Russia will take place soon.

After the meeting, French President Macron told French media TF1-LCI that before the trilateral meeting between Russia, Ukraine, and the US, Putin and Zelenskyy may hold a bilateral meeting first. He suggested that the Russia-Ukraine summit be held in a "neutral country", such as Switzerland.

Macron said that the presidents of Russia and Ukraine can hold a bilateral meeting in Switzerland Screenshot of video

"We have decided to hold a bilateral meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine, followed by a trilateral meeting," Macron said on the 18th, "and then a multilateral meeting, Europeans must participate." He added, "This is not just a hypothesis, but a collective will."

Macron told French media that the bilateral meeting between Russia and Ukraine can be held in a "neutral country" in Europe. He said, "Perhaps in Switzerland, I support Geneva. Or other countries, such as Istanbul, Turkey."

This article is exclusive to Observer Net, and without permission, it cannot be reprinted.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7540297342433133075/

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