Wednesday 10.02.2010
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Chinese may slap Swiss wrists over Uighur affair

Only time will tell if the political spat will have repercussions for the Swiss watch industry

Experts have played down fears that Swiss trade with China will be hit hard by Switzerland’s decision to give asylum to two Uighurs from China’s Xinjiang province.

The Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday that the Swiss government’s acceptance of the two men from the United States prison in Guantanamo “will certainly affect Sino-Swiss relations”.

There is speculation that Finance Minister Merz (left) and Foreign Minister Calmy-Rey do not see eye to eye on banking secrecy 05.02.2010 - 21:15

Politicians in disarray over banking secrecy

The threat that Germany may use stolen Swiss bank data has prompted considerable confusion among the main political parties over the future of banking secrecy.

Makeshift shelters have sprung up in Haiti's capital since the January 12 earthquake 03.02.2010 - 08:47

Haitians face shelter crisis

More than three weeks after the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti, the government and aid agencies are ramping up relief operations as needs become clearer.

Swiss Finance Minister Hans-Rudolf Merz points out his views to Merkel 02.02.2010 - 16:53

Berlin bank data attack threatens Switzerland

Germany has confirmed that it intends to defy protests from Bern by paying for stolen Swiss bank data to help track down domestic tax evaders.

German finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble faces a tough decision 01.02.2010 - 18:31

Germany tempted by stolen bank data

To buy or not to buy? The German authorities appear tempted by the offer by an unknown informant to sell them stolen bank client data on possible tax evaders.

Former US President Bill Clinton believes Haiti can rise from the ashes 28.01.2010 - 21:42

Big business urged to restore Haiti’s economy

Humanitarian aid and the role of companies in helping to rebuild disaster-struck Haiti dominated proceedings on day two at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Widmer-Schlumpf announced Switzerland's plans after Wednesday's cabinet meeting 27.01.2010 - 15:40

Cabinet wants more talks with US over UBS data

The Swiss cabinet on Wednesday said it needed to work out a new solution with the United States over its demand for account details on thousands of clients of bank UBS.

The survey showed two-thirds of voters considered Swiss and Muslim lifestyles to be compatible 26.01.2010 - 11:09

Voters used minaret ban to halt spread of Islam

November’s vote against minaret construction in Switzerland can be seen as a signal by voters against the spread of Islam, according to analysis of the result.

Rushing to adopt Haiti orphans could be dangerous 23.01.2010 - 18:55

“Adoption is a last resort”

Flying planeloads of newly orphaned children out of Haiti is “reprehensible”, an adoption expert tells swissinfo.ch.

WEF executives say there is a danger of moving from the current economic crisis to a social one in 2010 20.01.2010 - 21:34

Leaders to meet in Davos to "rebuild" the world

Rethinking global cooperation and business values will be at the heart of talks at the 40th World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos next week, say WEF executives.

Waving or drowning? Obama has lost considerable support in the black community 20.01.2010 - 17:57

Obama discovers the flip side of change

Barack Obama was inaugurated as president of the United States on January 20, 2009, on an unprecedented wave of popular euphoria.

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