Switzerland Becomes 190th Member of United Nations

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, September 10, 2002

Switzerland Becomes 190th Member of United Nations

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The U.N. General Assembly is expected to formally admit Switzerland as its 190th member during a ceremony in New York Tuesday. To the accompaniment of the Swiss Army Band, the country's flag -- a white cross on red background -- will then be hoisted to flutter as a lone square among the sea of rectangles.

"Finally Switzerland will be at home as a member of the U.N. family," declared Bertrand Louis, ambassador to U.N. offices in Geneva.

"When the Swiss delegation steps down from his observer seat to join the main U.N. body, it will be a big step. It will be a step out of the shadows."

After more than 50 years on the sidelines, Switzerland joined the United Nations after voters approved the move in March by a 55% majority.

In the last vote 16 years earlier, 75% opposed U.N. membership on the grounds it would endanger the Alpine nation's revered neutrality in an era of acute East-West tensions.

This time around, the electorate heeded a government campaign that a rejection would be disastrous for the country's international standing and that traditional neutrality was irrelevant given the end of the Cold War.

Switzerland will be sandwiched between Sweden and Syria on the U.N.'s alphabetical list. Switzerland's membership leaves the Vatican as the only state with U.N. observer status.

Falling on the eve of the anniversary of Sept. 11, Switzerland's membership ceremony will be low-key. Undeterred, the Swiss have made elaborate preparations to broadcast the proceedings live on a big screen in downtown Geneva.

Gifts of Swiss chocolate and Swatch watches emblazoned with the national flag will be given to guests at a diplomatic reception in New York on Tuesday, officials said. Those invited to a diplomatic bash in Geneva late Monday were treated to canapes, cocktails and an exhibition by Switzerland's best-known artist.

Source: Agencies

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