Switzerland joins UN

Switzerland became the 190th member of the United Nations yesterday, pledging to respect its traditional neutrality while pursuing human rights, world peace and the struggle against poverty.

The UN General Assembly admitted Switzerland by acclamation as one of its first official acts on the opening day of its 57th session. The world body will admit East Timor as its 191st member later in the month.

The Swiss, staunchly protective of their neutrality, voted in March by a narrow margin to join the UN, taking a significant step away from their traditional isolationism. It is the first country to join the UN after a popular vote.