Sept 27 — Swiss voters rejected a proposal to enshrine a stricter neutrality
clause in the constitution, the Federal Statistical Office said, with all
cantons and roughly 70% of voters opposed. The amendment would have prohibited
Switzerland from imposing economic sanctions or cooperating with NATO, barred
joining or cooperating with military or defense alliances unless Switzerland
were attacked, and prevented participation in sanctions without UN approval.
Switzerland has observed formal neutrality since 1815; in recent years that
policy has shown signs of loosening.