[ti:Trade Group: Swiss Banks Hold $213 billion of Russian Money] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:00.04]The Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) [00:04.80]says Switzerland's banking system [00:08.00]holds up to $213 billion of Russian money. [00:15.32]These bank accounts are now getting attention [00:18.92]as nations establish sanctions against Russia and its leaders. [00:24.92]The SBA disclosure is rare for a country [00:30.12]where generations of rich people [00:32.92]from around the world have placed their money. [00:37.04]For years, Switzerland has stayed neutral in worldwide conflicts. [00:43.08]During that time, its bankers have refused requests for information. [00:50.52]After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, [00:53.44]Switzerland announced that it would follow economic measures [00:58.24]established by the European Union. [01:02.04]The government ordered a freeze of all money that belongs to [01:07.08]over 200 Russian individuals and groups. [01:11.52]Mattea Meyer is a member of the Swiss National Council. [01:16.52]She said Switzerland must stop Russians [01:20.28]with ties to President Vladimir Putin and his government [01:25.40]from getting the money. [01:27.52]"The money and their activity ... help finance the war," she said. [01:32.92]The Russian wealth of $213 billion in Swiss banks [01:38.64]is greater than the value of all economic activities, [01:43.44]or GDP, of more than 150 nations. [01:48.64]It is larger than the GDP of countries [01:52.48]like New Zealand, Greece and Hungary. [01:55.92]However, the SBA said the amount was very small [02:00.64]compared to the overall wealth held in Switzerland. [02:04.76]Many rich individuals consider the country [02:08.12]a safe place to keep their money. [02:11.80]The organization said in an email to Reuters [02:15.76]that it added up to a "low single-digit percentage" [02:20.88]of offshore wealth in Swiss banks. [02:23.92]Offshore describes something held in a foreign country. [02:28.28]Other experts have said that, based on public information, [02:33.64]the Swiss banking system could deal with limits on Russian money. [02:38.60]Switzerland's biggest bank, UBS, [02:42.48]said its exposure to Russian money is "limited." [02:46.60]But more sanctions and new restrictions could keep the bank busy. [02:51.92]I'm Ashley Thompson. 更多听力请访问51VOA.COM