On May 26, a cross-party committee of 19 Swiss parliamentarians will formally launch the Swiss Peace Initiative for Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in Bern. The initiative aims to advance the Swiss Parliament’s directive to organize an international peace forum to address the aftermath of Azerbaijan’s 2023 assault on Artsakh and to support the safe and dignified return of its displaced Armenian population.

The initiative stems from Motion 24.4259, adopted by the Swiss National Council in December 2024 and approved by the Council of States in March 2025. The motion calls on the Swiss Federal Council to facilitate dialogue between Azerbaijani authorities and representatives of the forcibly displaced Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The newly formed committee enjoys wide cross-party support and is co-chaired by National Councillors Erich Vontobel (EDU, Zurich) and Stefan Müller-Altermatt (The Center Party, Solothurn). Both have emphasized Switzerland’s unique position as a neutral, humanitarian state to mediate and promote peaceful resolution and justice in the region.

The May 26 launch event in Bern will feature remarks from:

  • Erich Vontobel, National Councillor and motion author

  • Stefan Müller-Altermatt, National Councillor and Co-President of the Switzerland-Armenia Parliamentary Group

  • Vartan Oskanian, former Foreign Minister of Armenia and Chairman of the Committee for the Defense of the Fundamental Rights of the People of Artsakh

  • Vardan Tadevosyan, Director of the Lady Cox Rehabilitation Centre

  • Sarkis Shahinian, Secretary General of the Switzerland-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group

  • Dr. Joel Veldkamp, Director for Public Advocacy at Christian Solidarity International (CSI)

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) welcomed the move, citing the regional and human rights implications of the unresolved conflict. CSI President Dr. John Eibner noted the initiative’s alignment with Switzerland’s legacy of neutrality and humanitarian diplomacy.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) also issued a strong endorsement. Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of ANCA, stated:

“We deeply appreciate Switzerland’s principled stand for the fundamental rights of Artsakh’s Armenian population—particularly their right to live in peace and dignity on their ancestral homeland. This initiative is a timely and meaningful step forward in reversing Azerbaijan’s 2023 genocide and restoring justice.”

Ken Hachikian, Chair of the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights (ALC), praised the international framework for dialogue and accountability as a critical step in defending the legal rights of forcibly displaced Armenians.

Last week, National Councillor Vontobel traveled to Armenia, where he met with Artsakh President Samvel Shahramanyan and His Holiness Karekin II, reaffirming the importance of international engagement in ensuring the right of return for displaced populations.

Parallel to these efforts, the ANCA continues advocacy in the U.S., pushing for:

  • Suspension of U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan

  • Accountability for ethnic cleansing and war crimes

  • Humanitarian aid for displaced Armenians

  • The release of Armenian hostages

  • Legal recognition of the right of return for Artsakh’s indigenous population

American constituents are encouraged to support these efforts through anca.org/action.

Swiss Peace Initiative Launch – Event Details

  • Date: Monday, May 26, 2025

  • Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM (followed by an aperitif & standing lunch)

  • Venue: Hotel Kreuz, Zeughausgasse 41, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

  • Registration: Space is limited. RSVP by emailing info@csi-int.org

  • More Info: www.swisspeacekarabakh.com/en