MARTIGNY, SWITZERLAND.-Swiss authorities have ordered the release of more than 50 paintings that were on loan to the Pierre Gianadda Foundation and belong to the Pushkin State Art Museum in Moscow. The works had been seized by Swiss police because Russia owes money to a local firm. The Swiss government decided to release the works to avoid having Russia break ties with Switzerland. Among the works included are paintings by Manet, Renoir, Picasso and Matisse. Swiss company Noga claims Russia owes it money for the delivery of food in the 1990’s and has tried tp seize Russian assets abroad in its legal battle.

Irina Antonova , director of the Pushkin Museum stated it was unacceptable that works of art should become "hostages" in political disputes. Swiss foreign minister Paul Seger stated the paintings should be returned because international law barred the seizure of cultural goods for private reasons.