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Swiss to vote on weapons export ban

BERNE, Switzerland, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Switzerland will vote Nov. 29 on a controversial initiative that would ban the export of Swiss-manufactured military weapons and ammunition, authorities say.

Opponents, including the Swiss weapons industry, say the ban would cost jobs, while supporters say lives should come before profits, Swissinfo reported.

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Two previous attempts to pass a weapons export ban failed. But unlike those proposals, the current one would halt exports only of military, not civilian, weapons.

The organization behind the initiative, The Group for Switzerland without an Army, says it is hopeful this time.

"We don't want Swiss weapons to be involved in wars any longer and we don't want Switzerland to export weapons that are used in conflicts that the majority of the Swiss population are not in favor of," group spokesman Tom Cassee said.

Swiss manufacturing organizations launched a campaign this week against a ban, saying companies would collapse and that 10,000 jobs could be lost.

"It's not a question of war and peace," said Pascal Gentinetta , director of the Swiss Business Federation. "We have to be realistic. There are conflicts around the world,"

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