UN membership broached by Switzerland's Cabinet

The Swiss Cabinet has proposed that Switzerland join the United Nations. Backing from parliament for the move is likely to be a formality, but approval from the nation might not be so easy.

Under Swiss law, decisions on laws and international treaties must be put to a referendum. An opinion poll in October showed that 37 percent of Swiss opposedjoining and only 33 percent were in favor.

Officials said a referendum could take place before the end of 1983.