Swiss FM: Muslim travel ban by US 'in wrong direction'

By Fatih Erel

GENEVA (AA) - Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter has termed U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order calling for a travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries as discriminatory and against international law.

“We are always opposed to discrimination of individuals due to their religion or country of origin. In this sense, the executive order taken by the U.S. clearly goes in the wrong direction,” Burkhalter said in a statement on Sunday.

Noting that Switzerland was also committed to fighting against terrorism, he warned that any measures taken to fight against terrorism "must respect fundamental rights and international law”.

The Trump administration on Friday suspended the entry of citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for at least 90 days as he claimed this policy would protect the U.S. from terrorists.

Regarding concerns about how to implement Trump’s policy, especially for dual-nationals living in Switzerland, Burkhalter said: “We are in contact with the U.S. authorities to get as clear information as possible on modalities planned and reserve the right to any measures that defend the rights of Swiss citizens concerned.”

Also on Sunday, Iran summoned Swiss Ambassador in Tehran Giulio Haas over Trump's travel ban. Haas represents U.S. interests in Iran as Washington and Tehran have no diplomatic ties.

Tehran said Saturday it would ban Americans from entering Iran.