[D66] Switzerland arming in preparation for European meltdown?

[Antid Oto]

http://rt.com/news/switzerland-prepares-europe-unrest-263/

Switzerland arming in preparation for European meltdown?
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Published: 12 October, 2012, 17:20
Edited: 12 October, 2012, 23:13

The Swiss Army is preparing contingency plans for violent unrest across 
Europe. A nation mostly famous for its banks, watches and chocolate 
fears it may face a massive influx of European refugees in the near future.

One of the world’s richest nations openly expressed concerns over the 
possible outcome of Europe’s continuing financial troubles, and is 
currently conducting army exercises against the possibility of riots 
along its borders.

In September, the Swiss military conducted exercises dubbed ‘Stabilo 
Due,’ with scenarios involving violent instability across the EU.
Switzerland has maintained an avowedly neutral stance for decades, and 
refused to join the eurozone when presented with the opportunity.
Bern’s biggest fear is likely the disorganization of neighboring 
nations’ armies that would follow general instability; the eurozone 
crisis and the severe austerity measures in the EU are forcing 
member-states to significantly slash their military budgets. If protest 
continues to spread across Europe, police and armed forces may find 
themselves ill-equipped to manage the unrest.

"I will not rule out that we will need the army in the coming years,” 
Swiss Defense Minister Ueli Maurer said last Sunday.

The Swiss Defense Ministry has pressed ahead to modernize the country’s 
army despite political opposition. With its multibillion-Franc military 
budget and an army of around 200,000 soldiers, the country also plans to 
purchase new ‘Saab Gripen’ jet fighters.