Switzerland's Neue Zurchner Zeitung reports voters' backing on Sunday for a five-year ban on the use of genetically modified crops.

The 55.7% vote in favour of the moratorium is, says the paper, "a surprisingly clear result".

Geneva-based Le Temps welcomes the vote.

Swiss people take scientific research seriously, the paper says, so the decision is "an important signal".

It says they resisted what it calls "the assault of globalised junk food" and "an irreversible mutilation of the natural heritage".

Another Swiss daily, Le Matin, also hails the decision.

"Swiss citizens... are not prepared to sell their souls and convictions to satisfy their consumer tastes," the paper says.

It describes the vote as "a warning shot" against the liberal policies of the government and the political right.

"The Swiss have shown their clear-sightedness in not giving a blank cheque to scientific circles, and especially the food lobby," the paper adds.

Source: BBC News