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Switzerland lifts sanctions against Afghanistan
Switzerland on Wednesday lifted all sanctions imposed against Afghanistan two years ago, then under the Taliban regime, and enforced until the current interim government led by Hamid Karzai took power.
Switzerland on Wednesday lifted all sanctions imposed against Afghanistan two years ago, then under the Taliban regime, and enforced until the current interim government led by Hamid Karzai took power.
The move lifts restrictions on air travel and on the activities of Ariana Afghan Airlines in Switzerland.
The Swiss government also removed a ban on the export of acetic anhydride, a compound used in the transformation of poppies into opiate drugs. Punitive measures will remain in place, however, against persons and groups associated with Islamic extremist Osama bin Laden, his al-Qaeda network, and the Taliban. Financial sanctions, an arms embargo and travel restrictions will be enforced against these groups.
Switzerland based its limited sanctions on a United Nations Security Council list of persons and groups associated with the former Taliban regime and al-Qaeda. Swiss authorities are currently blocking 69 bank accounts holding a total of 34 million Swiss Francs ($ 21 million) under the financial sanctions.
The move lifts restrictions on air travel and on the activities of Ariana Afghan Airlines in Switzerland.
The Swiss government also removed a ban on the export of acetic anhydride, a compound used in the transformation of poppies into opiate drugs. Punitive measures will remain in place, however, against persons and groups associated with Islamic extremist Osama bin Laden, his al-Qaeda network, and the Taliban. Financial sanctions, an arms embargo and travel restrictions will be enforced against these groups.
Switzerland based its limited sanctions on a United Nations Security Council list of persons and groups associated with the former Taliban regime and al-Qaeda. Swiss authorities are currently blocking 69 bank accounts holding a total of 34 million Swiss Francs ($ 21 million) under the financial sanctions.
In modifying the sanctions, Switzerland has aligned its laws with recent Security Council resolutions.
Bureau Report