Ronald S. Lauder, Maram Stern
photo Reuters
At a joint press conference in the Bern with the outgoing president of the Swiss Jewish community, Alred Donath, WJC President Ronald Lauder has underlined that he wants Switzerland to be part of the family of nations. Whilst criticizing the support by the Swiss foreign minister for a recent gas contract by a Swiss company with Iran, he said that his role as president of the World Jewish Congress was not to put pressure on Switzerland. "I see myself as ambassador of the Jews in the world, not as their policeman," the he stated, but added: "Obviously, I would like to see that gas contract cancelled, but the decision is up to Switzerland alone." Ronald S. Lauder also spoke of the need to enter into dialogue with moderate Muslims. Lauder and Donath will meet with Swiss President Pascal Couchepin on Wednesday and later travel to La-Chaux-de-Fonds, where the Swiss Jewish Community Federation is to hold its annual General Assembly.
Click here to view photo album from the meeting
