What’s the point in a parliamentary declaration on Syria?

The House of Representatives on Monday presented a declaration entitled “Stop the war crimes in Syria”. In this interview with Swiss Public Television (SRF) News, the director of Bern-based peace research institute Swisspeace, Laurent Goetschel, says he does not see a contradiction between this resolution and Swiss neutrality. SRF News: What is the point of a declaration on Syria by the House of Representatives? Laurent Goetschel: This declaration brings some visibility to parliament on an important foreign policy issue. SRF News: Is it nothing more than a self-promotion attempt by parliament?  L.G.: I would not analyse things that way. I think parliament also wants to strengthen support for the Federal Council – that is, the government – in this area. And maybe even it is seeking to encourage the Federal Council to take certain measures.  Laurent Goetschel is a professor of political science at the University of Basel and director of the Swiss foundation for peace, ...