Switzerland Seen As Major Supplier of Weapons Equipment to Iran, Iraq

In the last year, at least 10 Swiss companies have exported, directly or indirectly, equipment to Iran for producing atomic, chemical and biological arms and long-range rockets, according to a recent report here.

The article, based on a report which first appeared in the Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv, also asserts that dozens of Swiss companies were heavily involved in assisting Iraq’s nuclear development program prior to the Persian Gulf War.

One reported example is of a small Swiss high-tech company that produces safety valves made of pressure-resistant iron that can be used in equipment for enriching uranium for bomb use. The article mentioned a signed letter from the head of the Swiss company to the directors of the Iranian nuclear program.

Also described is how some of the Swiss companies have been the victims of professional acts of sabotage, allegedly carried out by the Israeli Mossad, according to the companies targeted.

According to the article, which appeared in the Swiss daily Le Courier, the heads of the American and Israeli secret services name Switzerland as the prime supplier of nuclear equipment to Iran.

The article said Swiss exports to Iran amounted to $325 million, mostly comprising chemical and specialized mechanical equipment.

Regarding Swiss connections to Iraq, 134 of 602 products registered by United Nations experts as having been used in that country’s nuclear program were delivered by Switzerland, the report said.

LAW IS OPEN TO SUBVERSION

At least 48 Swiss companies were in close contact with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and furnished a quarter of the key components necessary to the Iraqi nuclear program.

The article criticized Swiss laws regulating the export of sensitive materials because they apply only to the immediate buyer and not the ultimate consumer. The law opens itself up to subversion by hundreds of intermediaries and shadow companies set up to conceal the route from sale to end user.

One recently formed group of concerned activists, known as “Ramoneurs,” or chimney sweeps, has published embarrassing documents surreptitiously obtained.

According to the article, the American and Israeli secret services have worked together to discourage sales to Iran and Iraq.

Since the appearance of the Ma’ariv article, Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres has said he will intervene with the Swiss authorities.

But so far, the disclosures have had little effect on Switzerland, according to Jurg Schneeberger of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The article also quotes an official of the Foreign Affairs Department as saying the government disagrees with the contention that Switzerland has served as a center of sales of non-conventional military equipment to Iran.

The official asserted that Switzerland adheres to international agreements aimed at preventing the proliferation of mass-destruction weapons.