Erich Vontobel (center) stands in front of the U.S. Capitol with the delegation for the Swiss Peace Initiative. csi
Interview with Swiss National Councillor Erich Vontobel
Mr. Vontobel, how did you become involved with Nagorno Karabakh?
At the end of January 2024, I was assigned two motions in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council. Before that, I hardly knew where Armenia was—let alone Nagorno Karabakh. In the fall, I travelled to Armenia with my wife to get to know the country and its people. I spent one day speaking with refugees from Nagorno Karabakh. I wanted to hear firsthand what they had experienced during the violent ethnic cleansing carried out by Azerbaijan in September 2023. Their accounts and their situation deeply moved me. It became clear to me that a terrible crime had taken place, and that I had to stand up for justice.
Why did the world return to normal so quickly after the expulsion?
When the crime occurred in 2023, the entire world was in agreement: this violent ethnic cleansing could not be tolerated. It was strongly condemned, and there were calls for the displaced people to return home. But since then, much time has passed. Other conflicts have overshadowed what happened. Yet the problem remains unresolved. The displaced want to go home—back to their villages, churches, cemeteries, and schools. And not in five years, but as soon as possible.
How did the idea for the peace initiative emerge from that?
The idea of a roundtable between Azerbaijan and the displaced people from Nagorno Karabakh came from the refugees themselves. After my return from Armenia, I translated that idea into a parliamentary motion requesting the Federal Council to organize such a roundtable—a peace forum. The motion was supported by a majority in the committee and later also in parliament. That was a big surprise for me.
What are the next steps?
To realize the peace initiative, we must first raise international awareness and build support. This is necessary to convince the Federal Council (Switzerland’s executive body) to take the matter seriously and act with full commitment. We are making good progress and have received positive signals from France and the United Kingdom. Our initiative has already had an impact and brought the issue of the expulsion back into the headlines.
You recently visited Washington with a Swiss delegation. How did U.S. politicians respond to your initiative?
We had something of a meeting marathon. We spoke with many people from Congress, the administration, and various influential organizations. I was particularly impressed by the meeting with Vice President Vance’s team. I’m confident that we were able to plant seeds that will bear good fruit. President Trump cares deeply about religious freedom, peace, and justice. And in his Vice President, J.D. Vance, we have found someone who shares our values.
What are currently the biggest obstacles to the success of the Swiss peace initiative?
So far, Azerbaijan has refused to participate in the roundtable and is conducting a very aggressive lobbying campaign. Thanks to oil and gas, it has virtually unlimited resources for this. Our own foreign minister is also reluctant to address the issue and claims the motion is no longer necessary because peace negotiations are ongoing between Armenia and Azerbaijan. But it is well known that the topic of Nagorno Karabakh is being excluded from those negotiations.
Are you still optimistic that a solution can be found?
Yes, because there is simply no alternative. The Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh are stuck in Armenia as second-class citizens—with no voting rights, no support, and no prospects. If the international community fails to respond to the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan will soon take the next “salami slice” from Armenian territory.
Can the displaced Armenian population still hope to return?
Our past and future efforts are likely to enable their return. It’s difficult to say when that will happen. It may take a long time. But once our cause gains even broader international support, momentum will grow.
What are the next steps?
We must intensify our efforts and bring additional countries on board. In the medium term, we also hope to gain the support of Pope Leo XIV. In addition, we must convince our Swiss foreign minister to take the issue seriously and actively advocate for it. Parliament has given him a clear mandate. It’s also important that people pray for this cause. God can—something we’ve experienced more than once in this matter—work miracles.
Where will we stand in a year?
Personally, I would be pleased if, within a year, we saw a willingness from Azerbaijan to participate in a peace forum with representatives of Nagorno Karabakh under international supervision. The international community must make it clear to Azerbaijan that participation in a peace forum is not an option—but a necessity.
Watch the Capitol Hill Briefing held on July 8 in Washington, D.C., to learn more.
