Press releases, 07.01.2021

The day after the recent incidents in Washington D.C., Livia Leu, State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), expressed Switzerland's concern about the violence and especially the deaths to the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy. The peaceful transition of power is a central element of a democracy. Switzerland trusts in the strength of American institutions.

The conversation between State Secretary Livia Leu and the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Bern took place in an open and transparent manner, reflecting Switzerland's long-standing friendly relations with the US. Ms Leu emphasised that the Federal Council looked forward to further deepening the excellent relations between the two countries with the future administration in Washington.

Even though the news about the use of violence and especially the deaths have caused great concern in Switzerland, the country trusts in the strength of the democratic institutions in the USA and is convinced that they will defend their constitution and the rule of law, said Ms Leu.

Free and fair elections are an essential element of democratic political systems based on the rule of law. A smooth transition of office is crucial. The FDFA has taken note of President Trump's statement in this regard and hopes that the transition of office on 20 January2021 will be constitutional and peaceful.


Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA


Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Last update 19.07.2023

  • FDFA Communication answers media queries Mondays to Fridays during office hours and operates a weekend emergency on-call service.

Contact

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West
3003 Bern

Phone (for journalists only):
+41 58 460 55 55

Phone (for all other requests):
+41 58 462 31 53

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