Changes

==Foreign Relations==

==Foreign Relations==

Traditionally, Switzerland has avoided [[alliance]]s that might entail military, political, or direct economic action.  Since its forces suffered a major military defeat in the Middle Ages, it has stayed strictly [[neutral]].  Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and has no major dispute in its bilateral relations. Historically, it has served as a neutral intermediary between hostile powers and host to major international treaty conferences.  After [[World War I]], it hosted the [[League of Nations]] headquarters; during [[World War II]] it represented German interests in America and American and British interests in Germany. Since 1980, Switzerland has represented American interests in [[Iran]].  It also played a key role in brokering a truce agreement between the Sudanese Government and Sudan's Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) for the Nuba Mountain region, signed after a week's negotiations taking place near [[Lucerne]] in January 2002.  

Traditionally, Switzerland has avoided [[alliance]]s that might entail military, political, or direct economic action.  Since its forces suffered a major military defeat in the [[Battle of Marignano]] in 1515, it has stayed strictly [[Political neutrality|neutral]].  Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and has no major dispute in its bilateral relations. Historically, it has served as a neutral intermediary between hostile powers and host to major international treaty conferences.  After [[World War I]], it hosted the [[League of Nations]] headquarters; during [[World War II]] it represented German interests in America and American and British interests in Germany. Since 1980, Switzerland has represented American interests in [[Iran]].  It also played a key role in brokering a truce agreement between the Sudanese Government and Sudan's Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) for the Nuba Mountain region, signed after a week's negotiations taking place near [[Lucerne]] in January 2002.  

The Swiss Constitution declares the preservation of Switzerland's independence and welfare as the supreme objective of Swiss [[foreign policy]]. Below this overarching goal, the Constitution sets five specific foreign policy objectives: to further the peaceful coexistence of nations; promote respect for [[human rights]], [[democracy]], and the [[rule of law]]; promote Swiss economic interests abroad, alleviate need and poverty in the world; and preserve natural resources.  

The Swiss Constitution declares the preservation of Switzerland's independence and welfare as the supreme objective of Swiss [[foreign policy]]. Below this overarching goal, the Constitution sets five specific foreign policy objectives: to further the peaceful coexistence of nations; promote respect for [[human rights]], [[democracy]], and the [[rule of law]]; promote Swiss economic interests abroad, alleviate need and poverty in the world; and preserve natural resources.  

The Swiss Government on June 25, 2003, eased most of the sanctions against the Republic of [[Iraq]] in accord with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1483. The government lifted the trade embargo, flight restrictions, and financial sanctions in place since August 1990. The weapons embargo and the asset freeze, the scope of which was extended, remain in force, and restrictions on the trade in Iraqi cultural goods were newly imposed. Though not a member at the time, Switzerland had joined UN sanctions against Iraq after the invasion of Kuwait. Switzerland in recent years joined UN and EU economic sanctions imposed on Sierra Leone, UNITA (Angola), Liberia, Serbia and Montenegro, Burma, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Côte d'Ivoire. On October 15, 2003, the Federal Council ended the import restrictions on raw diamonds from Sierra Leone and lifted sanctions against Libya.  

The Swiss Government on June 25, 2003, eased most of the sanctions against the Republic of [[Iraq]] in accord with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1483. The government lifted the trade embargo, flight restrictions, and financial sanctions in place since August 1990. The weapons embargo and the asset freeze, the scope of which was extended, remain in force, and restrictions on the trade in Iraqi cultural goods were newly imposed. Though not a member at the time, Switzerland had joined UN sanctions against Iraq after the invasion of Kuwait. Switzerland in recent years joined UN and EU economic sanctions imposed on Sierra Leone, UNITA (Angola), Liberia, Serbia and Montenegro, Burma, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Côte d'Ivoire. On October 15, 2003, the Federal Council ended the import restrictions on raw diamonds from Sierra Leone and lifted sanctions against Libya.  

Switzerland in October 2000 implemented an ordinance to enforce UN sanctions against the Taliban (UNSCR 1267), which it subsequently amended in April 2001 in accord with tighter UN regulations (UNSCR 1333). On May 2, 2002, the Swiss Government eased the sanctions regime in accord with UNSCR 1388 and 1390, lifting the ban on the sale of acetic acid (used in drug production), Afghani Airlines, and Afghani diplomatic representations. The weapons embargo, travel restrictions, and financial sanctions remain in force. The Swiss Government in November 2001 issued an ordinance declaring illegal the terrorist organization [[al Qaeda]] as well as possible successor or supporting organizations. More than 200 individuals or companies linked to international terrorism have been blacklisted to have their assets frozen. Thus far, Swiss authorities have blocked about 72 accounts totaling 34 million francs.  

Switzerland in October 2000 implemented an ordinance to enforce UN sanctions against the Taliban (UNSCR 1267), which it subsequently amended in April 2001 in accord with tighter UN regulations (UNSCR 1333). On May 2, 2002, the Swiss Government eased the sanctions regime in accord with UNSCR 1388 and 1390, lifting the ban on the sale of acetic acid (used in drug production), Afghani Airlines, and Afghani diplomatic representations. The weapons embargo, travel restrictions, and financial sanctions remain in force. The Swiss Government in November 2001 issued an ordinance declaring illegal the terrorist organization [[al Qaeda]] as well as possible successor or supporting organizations. More than 200 individuals or companies linked to international terrorism have been blacklisted to have their assets frozen. Thus far, Swiss authorities have blocked about 72 accounts totaling 34 million francs.

==Defense==

==Defense==