http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/index.html en Tue Feb 09 22:19:53 CET 2010 GMT CopyrightTue Feb 09 22:19:53 CET 2010, swissinfo. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/index/Switzerland_launches_biometric_passport.html?cid=8233316&rss=true Tue Feb 09 21:34:34 CET 2010 GMT From March 1 biometric passports will be issued in Switzerland - containing a holder’s photograph and fingerprints - bringing the country into line with its neighbours. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/finance_crisis/Will_long-lost_profits_lure_back_UBS_clients.html?cid=8264828&rss=true Tue Feb 09 14:32:00 CET 2010 GMT Swiss bank UBS on Tuesday heralded its long-awaited return to profitability as a possible turning point in its bid to stem a massive outflow of client funds. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Ghost_chalet_scam_targets_rich_Verbier_skiers.html?cid=8259974&rss=true Mon Feb 08 21:08:00 CET 2010 GMT A stunning luxury six-bed holiday home for rent in the heart of Verbier. The catch? The SFr12,300 ($11,400)-a-week house, Chalet Lumière, does not actually exist. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Swiss_banking_secrecy_under_fire/Background/Numbered_accounts_profit_from_bank_crisis.html?cid=8256858&rss=true Mon Feb 08 12:08:00 CET 2010 GMT The fabled numbered Swiss bank account is shrouded in mystery – a mystery scarcely less deep than that surrounding their holders' identity. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Healthcare_recruitment_harms_poorest_nations.html?cid=8197302&rss=true Mon Feb 08 07:47:00 CET 2010 GMT The high proportion of foreign healthcare workers in Switzerland could have catastrophic consequences for developing countries, says an international health expert. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Swiss_banking_secrecy_under_fire/News/Swiss_face_hard_choices_over_bank_secrecy.html?cid=8253342&rss=true Sun Feb 07 17:14:00 CET 2010 GMT The future of bank secrecy, the legality of buying stolen data and the nature of the relations between Switzerland and Germany continues to make waves. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Cancer_cases_could_double_in_20_years.html?cid=8245766&rss=true Sun Feb 07 10:28:00 CET 2010 GMT As the Swiss Cancer League marks its centenary, its president tells swissinfo.ch that the expected rise in cancer cases will present never seen before challenges. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Chinese_may_slap_Swiss_wrists_over_Uighur_affair.html?cid=8246702&rss=true Sat Feb 06 18:10:19 CET 2010 GMT 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. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/americas_cup/Valencia_prepares_for_a_unique_regatta.html?cid=8245702&rss=true Sat Feb 06 10:13:00 CET 2010 GMT The Spanish Mediterranean port of Valencia is bracing itself to once again host the legendary America's Cup sailing race, which starts on Monday. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Swiss_banking_secrecy_under_fire/News/Politicians_in_disarray_over_banking_secrecy.html?cid=8247346&rss=true Fri Feb 05 21:15:59 CET 2010 GMT 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. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/americas_cup/America_s_Cup_is_finally_set_to_sail.html?cid=8239460&rss=true Fri Feb 05 08:27:00 CET 2010 GMT Yachting’s biggest, most technologically advanced, most expensive – and one of its most bitter – contests will finally splash down on Valencia, Spain in a few days. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/culture/Alien_s_Swiss_daddy_is_no_artist_of_the_weak.html?cid=8243306&rss=true Fri Feb 05 13:58:00 CET 2010 GMT The father of Sigourney Weaver’s alien has just turned 70, and while H.R. Giger is justifiably famous for his science-fiction monster(s), his art goes far beyond the movie business. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Corporate_giants_outgrow_Swiss_roots_.html?cid=8184452&rss=true Thu Feb 04 21:33:00 CET 2010 GMT Last month seven chief executives of the top 20 Swiss firms were Swiss. Enter American Joe Jimenez as new Novartis CEO and the number is now down to six. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Guantanamo_detainees_to_require_special_therapy.html?cid=8235406&rss=true Thu Feb 04 15:19:00 CET 2010 GMT The three Guantanamo detainees that Switzerland has accepted to resettle will need special therapy to help them integrate after years in prison. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Swiss_banking_secrecy_under_fire/News/Papers_say_data_theft_highlights_Swiss_weakness.html?cid=8231948&rss=true Thu Feb 04 10:25:00 CET 2010 GMT The government’s conciliatory tone toward Germany’s plan to use stolen Swiss bank data to find tax cheats shows just how problematic Swiss banking has become, newspapers say. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Switzerland_to_take_in_two_Guantanamo_inmates.html?cid=8227752&rss=true Wed Feb 03 15:14:00 CET 2010 GMT The cabinet says it will admit two Guantanamo prisoners on humanitarian grounds. The Uighurs from the Chinese province of Xinjiang have not been charged with any crime. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Baby_Doc_assets_saga_takes_another_twist.html?cid=8229664&rss=true Wed Feb 03 18:06:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland says it will continue to freeze the assets of former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier in a bid to keep them out of the hands of his family. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Swiss_pharmaceutical_duo_best_in_global_class.html?cid=8226776&rss=true Wed Feb 03 13:18:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland’s big two pharmaceutical companies posted contrasting 2009 results but analysts view Novartis and Roche as the most solid firms in their global field. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/The_hills_are_alive_with_the_sound_of_sirens.html?cid=8226676&rss=true Wed Feb 03 13:12:00 CET 2010 GMT On Wednesday Switzerland reverberated to the sound of more than 8,000 sirens as the country carried out its annual test of the devices. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Haitians_face_shelter_crisis.html?cid=8222588&rss=true Wed Feb 03 08:47:00 CET 2010 GMT 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. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Swiss_banking_secrecy_under_fire/News/Berlin_bank_data_attack_threatens_Switzerland.html?cid=8221166&rss=true Tue Feb 02 16:53:00 CET 2010 GMT 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. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/internal_affairs/Weighing_the_needs_of_patient_and_researcher.html?cid=8142708&rss=true Tue Feb 02 14:10:00 CET 2010 GMT Voters will have the final say in March on a constitutional amendment aimed at preserving human dignity in biomedical experiments and ensuring freedom of research. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Libyan_acquittal_leads_to_cautious_optimism.html?cid=8214034&rss=true Tue Feb 02 08:19:00 CET 2010 GMT Observers say the overturning of a Swiss businessman’s Libyan jail term for visa violations is a positive step in the resolution of the Tripoli-Bern diplomatic spat. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Germany_tempted_by_stolen_bank_data.html?cid=8213534&rss=true Mon Feb 01 18:31:00 CET 2010 GMT 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. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Report_spotlights_invisible_foreign_minors.html?cid=8207908&rss=true Mon Feb 01 14:24:00 CET 2010 GMT Thousands of foreign unaccompanied children disappear each year from European reception centres and institutions, according to the Swiss charity Terre des hommes. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Roger_Federer/News/Philosophical_Federer_reflects_on_success_.html?cid=8206916&rss=true Mon Feb 01 09:17:00 CET 2010 GMT Swiss tennis star Roger Federer stayed up all night drinking champagne with friends to celebrate his fourth Australian Open and record 16th grand slam title. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Racing_boss_Sauber_gets_clean_restart.html?cid=8199292&rss=true Sun Jan 31 18:21:00 CET 2010 GMT After a tense few months when the fate of his stable was in the balance, Swiss racing boss Peter Sauber has unveiled his new cars in Valencia. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Roger_Federer/News/Flawless_Federer_secures_fourth_Australian_title_.html?cid=8202012&rss=true Sun Jan 31 12:26:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland’s Roger Federer has won his fourth Australian Open championship after delivering a sterling performance against Britain’s Andy Murray. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/World_economic_forum/Did_Davos_2010_break_or_create_barriers.html?cid=8202078&rss=true Sun Jan 31 10:20:00 CET 2010 GMT Departing World Economic Forum (WEF) delegates face the challenge of breathing new life into the economy after discussing many options and potential pitfalls in Davos. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/World_economic_forum/Swiss_technology_tackles_greying_society.html?cid=8201216&rss=true Sat Jan 30 18:39:00 CET 2010 GMT Technological advances could meet some of the challenges posed by an ageing global population, but the World Economic Forum (WEF) has heard that more needs to be done. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Anti-vandalism_tactic_divides_Swiss.html?cid=8162638&rss=true Sat Jan 30 10:24:00 CET 2010 GMT Local acts of vandalism rarely make the national news, but the recent “naming and shaming” of young perpetrators in a St Gallen village triggered a general debate. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/World_economic_forum/Harsh_rules_could_drive_bankers_underground.html?cid=8195132&rss=true Fri Jan 29 14:04:00 CET 2010 GMT Heavy-handed financial rules could create a shadow banking system beyond the control of regulators, the head of the Swiss Bankers Association warns swissinfo.ch. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Roger_Federer/News/Dominant_Federer_reaches_final_Down_Under.html?cid=8192250&rss=true Fri Jan 29 11:14:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland’s world number one tennis player Roger Federer has beaten France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the semifinal of the Australian Open. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Investment_urged_for_Swiss_mountain_farms.html?cid=8191392&rss=true Fri Jan 29 08:57:00 CET 2010 GMT Investing in mountain farms is crucial to stem the steady flow of people packing their bags and leaving high-alpine regions, warns a Swiss foundation. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/World_economic_forum/Big_business_urged_to_restore_Haiti_s_economy.html?cid=8189958&rss=true Thu Jan 28 21:42:00 CET 2010 GMT 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. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/World_economic_forum/Roche_vilified_in_Davos_for_transplant_drug.html?cid=8185350&rss=true Thu Jan 28 13:59:00 CET 2010 GMT The Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has been slammed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for supporting China’s “unethical transplantation practices”. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/culture/Campaign_targets_boozy_Brits_on_the_piste.html?cid=8178712&rss=true Thu Jan 28 08:12:13 CET 2010 GMT Mixing young Britons with “happy hours” and the hazardous Alps can prove to be a dangerous cocktail, warns a new British government safety campaign. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/World_economic_forum/Sarkozy_opens_WEF_with_calls_for_regulation.html?cid=8176756&rss=true Wed Jan 27 21:10:00 CET 2010 GMT French President Nicolas Sarkozy has offered a broad riposte to unrestrained free-market capitalism at the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Swiss_banking_secrecy_under_fire/News/Cabinet_wants_more_talks_with_US_over_UBS_data.html?cid=8177522&rss=true Wed Jan 27 15:40:00 CET 2010 GMT 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. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Booming_civilian_service_raises_questions.html?cid=8175796&rss=true Wed Jan 27 13:37:00 CET 2010 GMT A surge in people wanting to join the Swiss civilian service has prompted calls for a rethink on national conscription and led some politicians to go on the offensive. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Surprise_Novartis_CEO_seen_as_logical_choice.html?cid=8171122&rss=true Wed Jan 27 08:06:00 CET 2010 GMT The Stanford-educated new CEO of Novartis will have to steer the Swiss drugs giant as it integrates new businesses and fends off increasing competition. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Experts_reflect_on_spike_in_prison_population.html?cid=8167278&rss=true Tue Jan 26 21:36:00 CET 2010 GMT The recent rise in prisoner figures has cast light on the impact of penal reforms and regional variations in detention policy. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/World_economic_forum/WEF_changes_its_face_but_not_its_soul.html?cid=8162218&rss=true Tue Jan 26 13:24:00 CET 2010 GMT Praised and derided in equal doses, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has undergone some facelifts over the past 40 years, but its basic function has remained intact. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Novartis_changes_CEO_amid_record_results_.html?cid=8165546&rss=true Tue Jan 26 08:25:00 CET 2010 GMT Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has announced Daniel Vasella will be stepping down as CEO from February. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/Voters_used_minaret_ban_to_halt_spread_of_Islam.html?cid=8167038&rss=true Tue Jan 26 11:09:00 CET 2010 GMT 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. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/culture/Hidden_heritage_hopes_for_visibility.html?cid=8164184&rss=true Mon Jan 25 21:39:00 CET 2010 GMT The Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China may be spectacular, but the hidden sites of prehistoric villages are just as much a part of the world’s heritage. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/World_economic_forum/Public_Eye_keeps_close_watch_on_Davos.html?cid=8159502&rss=true Mon Jan 25 13:43:00 CET 2010 GMT Swiss non-governmental organisations are heading to the World Economic Forum where they will name and shame “the nastiest corporate players of the year”. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Support_for_young_sans_papiers_grows_.html?cid=8136534&rss=true Mon Jan 25 08:26:00 CET 2010 GMT Political support is growing to improve the plight of thousands of children of illegal immigrants who have spent most of their lives in Switzerland. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Arab_green_energy_drive_offers_opportunity.html?cid=8148510&rss=true Sun Jan 24 18:40:00 CET 2010 GMT Swiss firms have been urged to take advantage of a growing shift to green energy in the Middle East as Arab countries seek to scale down their dependency on oil. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/A_surgeon_on_a_heartfelt_mission.html?cid=8149402&rss=true Sun Jan 24 10:29:00 CET 2010 GMT Heart surgeon René Prêtre, Swiss of the Year, brings passion and dedication to his job which sees him treating children in both Switzerland and Mozambique. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Adoption_is_a_last_resort_.html?cid=8146684&rss=true Sat Jan 23 18:55:00 CET 2010 GMT Flying planeloads of newly orphaned children out of Haiti is “reprehensible”, an adoption expert tells swissinfo.ch. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Sweet_double_win_for_Cuche_at_Kitzbuehel.html?cid=8152394&rss=true Sat Jan 23 16:34:00 CET 2010 GMT Didier Cuche of Switzerland has captured the top spot in the men’s downhill at Kitzbühel, his second World Cup win in two days. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Swiss_banking_secrecy_under_fire/News/UBS_client_wins_appeal_against_data_transfer.html?cid=8147194&rss=true Fri Jan 22 16:01:00 CET 2010 GMT A Swiss court has upheld an appeal by a UBS bank client against the handing over of customer details to the United States tax authorities. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Dr_Doom_predicts_more_economic_woe_.html?cid=8137082&rss=true Fri Jan 22 13:59:00 CET 2010 GMT Swiss-born stock markets guru Marc Faber believes the global economy is standing on the verge of rampant inflation, national debt default and renewed volatility. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Haiti_appeal_finds_strong_support_from_Swiss.html?cid=8142758&rss=true Fri Jan 22 09:10:00 CET 2010 GMT More than SFr20 million ($19.2 million) was pledged on Thursday in a national fundraising day to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Ramadan_pleased_as_Washington_clears_his_name.html?cid=8139110&rss=true Thu Jan 21 21:06:00 CET 2010 GMT Swiss Muslim scholar Tariq Ramadan has expressed relief after the United States lifted his six-year visa ban, effectively clearing him of alleged terrorism links. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/No_surprise_that_Haiti_literally_collapsed.html?cid=8133750&rss=true Thu Jan 21 14:42:00 CET 2010 GMT Maybe some of the buildings in Port-au-Prince wouldn’t have buckled in last week’s earthquake had the roofs been better attached to the walls. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Science_of_the_small_has_big_potential.html?cid=8123020&rss=true Thu Jan 21 08:33:41 CET 2010 GMT Nanotechnology, a science dealing with minute particles, has huge potential for Switzerland, according to a report. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/World_economic_forum/Leaders_to_meet_in_Davos_to_rebuild_the_world.html?cid=8130934&rss=true Wed Jan 20 21:34:00 CET 2010 GMT 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. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Obama_discovers_the_flip_side_of_change.html?cid=8128096&rss=true Wed Jan 20 17:57:00 CET 2010 GMT Barack Obama was inaugurated as president of the United States on January 20, 2009, on an unprecedented wave of popular euphoria. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/internal_affairs/New_Post_chairman_named_to_reassure_public.html?cid=8126182&rss=true Wed Jan 20 16:43:00 CET 2010 GMT The government has appointed a new Swiss Post chairman in an effort to put an end to a power struggle at the helm of the state-owned company. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Frustration_grows_at_pace_of_Haiti_aid_effort_.html?cid=8122704&rss=true Tue Jan 19 21:21:00 CET 2010 GMT One week after the devastating earthquake crippled Haiti, it is still proving difficult to translate international goodwill into practical help. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/New_biodiesel_factory_fuels_energy_debate.html?cid=8112498&rss=true Tue Jan 19 13:54:51 CET 2010 GMT The go ahead to build a biodiesel processing plant in Switzerland has once again put the spotlight on the potential – and controversy – of growing crops for fuel. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Swiss_Post_chairman_bows_out_under_pressure.html?cid=8124398&rss=true Wed Jan 20 08:49:00 CET 2010 GMT After just nine months in office, the chairman of Swiss Post, Claude Béglé, has bowed to pressure from all sides to resign. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Swiss_steer_clear_of_proposed_US_bank_levy.html?cid=8112662&rss=true Tue Jan 19 08:10:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland’s refusal to introduce a United States-style bank tax has drawn speculation about possible competitive advantages for the Swiss financial sector. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Quiet_optimism_on_display_at_Geneva_watch_fairs.html?cid=8114660&rss=true Mon Jan 18 21:05:00 CET 2010 GMT Luxury watch trade fairs have opened in Geneva this week amid signs that wealthy shoppers are again splashing out on prestige timepieces. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Swiss_banking_secrecy_under_fire/News/Appeals_for_ex-UBS_banker_gather_pace.html?cid=8111010&rss=true Mon Jan 18 14:22:00 CET 2010 GMT A campaign is building in the United States to defend Bradley Birkenfeld, the former employee of Swiss bank UBS who has started serving a 40-month prison term. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Chile_repatriates_tribal_remains_from_Zurich_.html?cid=8098352&rss=true Mon Jan 18 08:16:00 CET 2010 GMT The remains of five Chilean tribesmen have been repatriated from Switzerland more than a century after they were kidnapped to be exhibited at European fairs. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Yemen_faces_the_abyss.html?cid=8084310&rss=true Sun Jan 17 10:27:00 CET 2010 GMT Yemen is once again in the international spotlight as a harbour for terrorists since the failed attack on a United States passenger plane at the end of December. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Roger_Federer/News/Federer_aims_to_go_fourth_Down_Under.html?cid=8047448&rss=true Sun Jan 17 11:13:00 CET 2010 GMT World tennis number one Roger Federer is hoping to start the year with a bang by adding the 2010 Australian Open to his titles of 2004, 2006 and 2007. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Janka_stays_on_course_for_World_Cup_success.html?cid=8101350&rss=true Fri Jan 15 10:17:00 CET 2010 GMT Carlo Janka was in top form at the prestigious Lauberhorn downhill on Saturday, taking his fourth World Cup victory of the season. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Sex,_lies_and_orchids.html?cid=8097816&rss=true Sat Jan 16 10:30:00 CET 2010 GMT Scientists have found out why orchids resort to sexual trickery to lure in male insects - it leads to a more efficient pollinating system. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Two_Didiers_carry_Swiss_hopes_at_historic_race.html?cid=8086878&rss=true Fri Jan 15 21:31:43 CET 2010 GMT Swiss skiers Didier Cuche and Didier Défago have little time to ponder their Olympic medal prospects during a January World Cup schedule stacked with classic races. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Veteran_diplomat_to_take_on_financial_headache.html?cid=8087276&rss=true Fri Jan 15 14:11:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland has assigned Michael Ambühl, a top diplomat, to defend the country’s battered financial sector from increasing international political pressure. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Diaspora_wants_a_say_in_Haiti_s_future.html?cid=8091102&rss=true Fri Jan 15 08:26:00 CET 2010 GMT Still reeling under the shock of Tuesday’s earthquake, and often without news of their families Haitians in Switzerland are already looking to the future. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Private_bankers_urge_Swiss_to_shape_up_on_tax.html?cid=8088018&rss=true Thu Jan 14 16:54:00 CET 2010 GMT Some of Switzerland’s most influential bankers have called for a more coherent response to the recent crescendo of global criticism concerning tax evasion. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Stress_hormone_researcher_wins_Latsis_Prize.html?cid=8077702&rss=true Thu Jan 14 11:42:00 CET 2010 GMT Mirjam Christ-Crain - the Basel medical professor who received the prestigious Latsis Prize for 2009 in Bern on Thursday - knows a lot about the effects of stress. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Swiss_citizenship_for_Chiles_Frei_criticised.html?cid=8073736&rss=true Thu Jan 14 08:45:36 CET 2010 GMT Swiss authorities are facing questions about granting citizenship to Eduardo Frei, a former Chilean president and candidate in the country's national elections. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/Swiss_send_rescuers_to_Haiti_as_outlook_worsens.html?cid=8081124&rss=true Thu Jan 14 08:16:00 CET 2010 GMT An international relief effort for Haiti gathered momentum on Wednesday as bodies piled up in streets and the country’s politicians warned of thousands of deaths. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Earthquake_guts_already_battered_Haiti.html?cid=8080206&rss=true Wed Jan 13 18:10:00 CET 2010 GMT Aid groups and governments are scrambling to send disaster relief to Haiti, the desperately poor Caribbean nation devastated by a major earthquake on Tuesday. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Small_shareholders_reject_Novartis-Alcon_deal.html?cid=8071296&rss=true Tue Jan 12 19:20:00 CET 2010 GMT The proposed total takeover of Alcon by Novartis has been thrown into doubt by a rebellion of disgruntled minority shareholders of the eye care company. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Haiti_relief_effort_underway.html?cid=8075916&rss=true Wed Jan 13 13:30:00 CET 2010 GMT An international relief effort for Haiti, devastated by a major earthquake on Tuesday, has gotten underway. Thousands are feared dead. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Swiss_cantons_catch_the_tax_fever.html?cid=8067716&rss=true Tue Jan 12 14:01:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland has decided to follow France and Italy in pardoning tax cheats, with some cantons going further than the government in trying to recuperate money. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/Wood_chips_replace_grit_and_salt_on_icy_roads.html?cid=8064450&rss=true Tue Jan 12 08:37:00 CET 2010 GMT As pedestrians all over the northern hemisphere slip and slide over icy pavements this winter, an innovative Swiss manufacturer is hoping to come to their rescue. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Skating_champion_vows_to_finish_the_job.html?cid=8062946&rss=true Mon Jan 11 18:44:00 CET 2010 GMT Swiss figure skating champion Stéphane Lambiel says an Olympic gold in Vancouver next month is within reach. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Unlawful_UBS_data_deal_adds_to_legal_headache.html?cid=8060006&rss=true Mon Jan 11 14:17:00 CET 2010 GMT A Swiss court ruling against the handover of UBS bank client details to the United States threatens to add to the problems of already harassed lawyers. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/index/Swiss-EU_bilateral_relations_to_be_tested.html?cid=8044572&rss=true Mon Jan 11 08:17:25 CET 2010 GMT A wholesale change at the top of the European Commission and the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty present a new set of challenges for Swiss-European relations. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Skiing_goes_ahead_as_usual_despite_deaths.html?cid=8036554&rss=true Sun Jan 10 18:26:00 CET 2010 GMT The death of seven skiers in an avalanche on January 3 is unlikely to lead to sanctions or measures to keep people from entering potential danger zones in mountainous areas. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Mountain_doctors_face_steep_slope.html?cid=8037540&rss=true Sun Jan 10 10:36:00 CET 2010 GMT The job of mountain doctor may conjure up an image of nature, fresh air and free time but in reality it is hard work and very time intensive. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/No_Swiss_rethink_on_ending_aid_to_North_Korea.html?cid=8035124&rss=true Sat Jan 09 18:32:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland is standing by a decision to stop development aid to North Korea, which has focused on improving food security in the internationally isolated country. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Smoking_ban_linked_to_drop_in_heart_attacks.html?cid=8038358&rss=true Sat Jan 09 10:22:00 CET 2010 GMT A ban on smoking in restaurants and bars in eastern Switzerland could have led to fewer heart attacks since its introduction, according to a recent medical study. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Finma_chief_defends_UBS_data_transfer_to_US.html?cid=8041778&rss=true Fri Jan 08 15:53:00 CET 2010 GMT The president of the Swiss Financial and Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) has defended the body’s decision to hand over UBS data to the United States. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/culture/Geneva_airport_strike_set_to_continue.html?cid=8038696&rss=true Fri Jan 08 16:23:00 CET 2010 GMT Ground staff striking at Geneva International Airport have voted to continue their week-long protest action over salary and work conditions. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Court_rules_UBS_data_transfer_to_US_illegal.html?cid=8038384&rss=true Fri Jan 08 15:53:00 CET 2010 GMT A Swiss court has ruled that the handing over of confidential UBS bank details to United States investigators by the Swiss authorities last year was illegal. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Jobless_rise_prompts_fears_but_no_panic.html?cid=8036368&rss=true Fri Jan 08 13:29:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland has more to fear from unemployment in its export markets than the 12-year high jobless rate inside its own borders, according to one economist. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Swiss_Post_arrives_at_crossroads_in_digital_age_.html?cid=8034266&rss=true Fri Jan 08 08:34:00 CET 2010 GMT A series of resignations at the top of Swiss Post has revealed uncertainty at its highest levels over the future of the postal service and its plans to expand abroad. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/China_warns_Swiss_over_asylum_cases.html?cid=8033232&rss=true Thu Jan 07 21:12:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland’s ties with China could be undermined if Bern decides to give refuge to two ethnic Uighurs who have been held in Guantánamo for eight years. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/Party_over_for_optimistic_retailers_.html?cid=8029652&rss=true Thu Jan 07 14:11:00 CET 2010 GMT Rising unemployment, stagnant wages and falling immigration are forecast to negatively impact retail prospects this year, in defiance of rosy industry expectations. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Swiss_seek_to_improve_biodiversity_reputation.html?cid=8025994&rss=true Thu Jan 07 08:27:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland is hoping to clear its tarnished environmental protection record by rolling out public awareness events to mark the 2010 Year of Biodiversity. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Rethinking_the_way_we_drive_now.html?cid=8025410&rss=true Wed Jan 06 21:14:00 CET 2010 GMT A debate has been launched about how Switzerland can maintain and expand its road network since the current financing system will soon run out of steam. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Geothermal_sector_faces_heat_of_public_scrutiny.html?cid=8022548&rss=true Wed Jan 06 12:34:00 CET 2010 GMT Switzerland’s fledgling geothermal power industry needs to win back sceptics following the highly publicised failure of a project in Basel, experts have warned. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Stress_marker_benefits_stroke_patients_.html?cid=8020576&rss=true Wed Jan 06 08:51:00 CET 2010 GMT Measuring a stress hormone in the brain can help doctors judge the severity of a stroke and improve treatment, according to Swiss researchers. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Europe_seeks_to_offload_flu_vaccines.html?cid=8019230&rss=true Tue Jan 05 20:15:00 CET 2010 GMT Western European countries, including Switzerland, are queuing up to shift surplus stocks of the H1N1 flu vaccine after low public demand. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Avalanche_tragedy_strikes_rescuers_hard.html?cid=8015848&rss=true Tue Jan 05 14:42:00 CET 2010 GMT The avalanche tragedy that killed seven people in the Bernese Oberland on Sunday is a harsh reminder that rescuers put their lives at risk to save others. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Tracking_scammers,_hackers_and_phishers.html?cid=8010858&rss=true Mon Jan 04 21:33:00 CET 2010 GMT Internet crime – from paedophilia to data theft – is becoming increasingly prevalent and ingenious, experts tell swissinfo.ch. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Off-pisters_face_fines_for_causing_avalanches.html?cid=8012298&rss=true Tue Jan 05 08:42:00 CET 2010 GMT Avalanches onto marked ski runs in canton Valais, triggered by off-piste skiers, have provoked a debate about liability and sanctions for those who flout warnings. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Swiss_banking_secrecy_under_fire/News/US_judge_won_t_delay_prison_for_UBS_informant.html?cid=8008612&rss=true Mon Jan 04 13:58:00 CET 2010 GMT A federal judge has refused to postpone prison or consider a lighter sentence for a former UBS banker-turned-whistleblower. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Double_avalanche_claims_several_lives.html?cid=8007126&rss=true Mon Jan 04 17:41:00 CET 2010 GMT At least four people died and five were injured in avalanches on Sunday in the Bernese Alps – one of the worst accidents of its kind in recent years. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Airport_body_scanners_divide_Swiss.html?cid=8005214&rss=true Sun Jan 03 18:01:00 CET 2010 GMT A debate has been sparked in Switzerland over installing body scanners in airports after a terrorist attempt prompted the Netherlands to roll out the machines. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Bringing_ET_out_of_the_realm_of_sci-fi.html?cid=7994452&rss=true Sun Jan 03 10:11:00 CET 2010 GMT Is there life beyond Earth? A few years ago most scientists would have said ‘no’ but opinions are changing as our understanding of the universe grows. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/culture/All_of_Switzerland_s_a_stage_in_2010.html?cid=7986866&rss=true Sat Jan 02 18:35:00 CET 2010 GMT Concert goers are already rubbing their hands and getting out their diaries – and credit cards – for big-name artists coming to Switzerland next year. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Switzerland_needs_no_EU_defender_.html?cid=7995546&rss=true Thu Dec 31 13:01:00 CET 2009 GMT Spain assumed the presidency of the European Union on January 1 and has repeatedly expressed its willingness to strengthen ties between Brussels and Bern. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/All_systems_go_for_nationwide_abduction_alert_.html?cid=7997968&rss=true Fri Jan 01 18:08:06 CET 2010 GMT A Swiss nationwide alert system for child abductions, such as exists in neighbouring France, comes into effect on January 1. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/New_president_eyes_challenges_ahead.html?cid=7997356&rss=true Fri Jan 01 11:49:38 CET 2010 GMT Economics Minister Doris Leuthard is embarking on her year as Swiss president at a time of economic crisis, with plenty of outstanding issues to tackle. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Puck_rolls_in_Davos__favour_despite_loss.html?cid=7998486&rss=true Thu Dec 31 16:15:26 CET 2009 GMT Swiss hockey club and host of the Spengler Cup, HC Davos, have lost in the tournament final but won where it really counts, on the financial scorecard. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Celebrities_flock_to_Swiss_solitude.html?cid=7991124&rss=true Thu Dec 31 09:31:00 CET 2009 GMT The country’s image abroad might have been as battered as a schnitzel in 2009, but Switzerland is still the glitziest place to see in – and be seen in – the New Year. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/A_milestone_year_ends_for_banking_secrecy.html?cid=7990318&rss=true Wed Dec 30 17:02:00 CET 2009 GMT Swiss banking secrecy has been enshrined in law for 75 years but 2009 marked a turning point in the practice as it came under massive international pressure. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Swiss_athletes_serve_up_mixed_success_.html?cid=7878982&rss=true Wed Dec 30 08:25:00 CET 2009 GMT After an Olympic 2008 – which included the Swiss-hosted Euro football tournament – 2009 was always going to be quiet, but that didn’t mean sporting cold turkey. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Swiss_happy_to_see_end_of_EU_annus_horribilis.html?cid=7980532&rss=true Tue Dec 29 16:20:00 CET 2009 GMT Swiss diplomats would describe 2009 as “eventful”. Rarely has Switzerland come in for so much criticism and pressure from the European Union (EU). http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Snowmaking_comes_in_from_the_cold.html?cid=7981172&rss=true Tue Dec 29 09:51:00 CET 2009 GMT Snow means life and livelihood to Beat Allenbach from Adelboden in the Bernese Alps. His winter begins when summer ends and there’s much to do. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Swiss_help_put_Palestinian_produce_on_the_table.html?cid=7959284&rss=true Mon Dec 28 21:07:00 CET 2009 GMT Palestinians returning from a shopping trip are more likely to be carrying home a basket full of Israeli produce than local goods. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Darwin,_the_Big_Bang_and_the_moon.html?cid=7932420&rss=true Mon Dec 28 16:13:42 CET 2009 GMT The Swiss scientific year ended with a bang after the Cern atom smasher on the Swiss-French border hit protons together for the first time – after months of delay. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Detained_Swiss_in_Libya_hampered_by_legal_fog.html?cid=7978218&rss=true Mon Dec 28 10:10:00 CET 2009 GMT The upcoming trial of two Swiss men held in Libya for more than 75 weeks will offer clues as to whether Tripoli is exacting revenge or just upholding its laws. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Swiss_plot_escape_from_economic_doldrums.html?cid=7955276&rss=true Sun Dec 27 19:11:27 CET 2009 GMT As Switzerland reflects on a bruising 12 months for its economy, the wheels are already in motion to chart a course to better times starting in 2010. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Winter_tourists_urged_to_respect_wildlife.html?cid=7961292&rss=true Sun Dec 27 09:55:45 CET 2009 GMT The increasing popularity of such winter sports as free-ride snowboarding or snowshoe walking is threatening the survival of wild animals in mountain regions. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Swiss_digest_reputational_damage.html?cid=7955336&rss=true Sat Dec 26 18:36:00 CET 2009 GMT World renowned as a country of peace, neutrality and conflict resolution, Switzerland has had to face up to another year of damaging international headlines. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Lothar_has_made_the_forests_more_stable.html?cid=7967736&rss=true Thu Dec 24 15:21:00 CET 2009 GMT Hurricane Lothar swept across western and central Europe in 1999 with devastating results, but ten years on a Swiss forester says it also had positive effects. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Bringing_medical_aid_to_Bethlehem_s_babies.html?cid=7920554&rss=true Fri Dec 25 12:26:23 CET 2009 GMT Every year since 1963 the Catholic churches in Switzerland have donated the offerings taken at Midnight Mass to support the Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Roger_Federer/Analysis/Federer_remains_the_man_to_beat.html?cid=7878332&rss=true Fri Dec 25 10:58:00 CET 2009 GMT It was yet another rollercoaster year for Roger Federer – and his fans. A leading tennis commentator tells swissinfo.ch to expect more of the same in 2010. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/culture/Christians_flock_to_churches_in_the_Arab_world_.html?cid=7965260&rss=true Thu Dec 24 19:03:09 CET 2009 GMT Two million Roman Catholics live in the Arabian peninsula, and at Christmas the churches are full to bursting. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Providing_warmth_and_company_for_the_homeless.html?cid=7963374&rss=true Wed Dec 23 20:56:00 CET 2009 GMT Many large Swiss cities provide overnight shelters for the homeless, which offer not only a warm bed, but also company – particularly precious at Christmas time. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/French_showdown_looms_over_stolen_bank_data.html?cid=7962172&rss=true Wed Dec 23 16:32:00 CET 2009 GMT A dispute between Switzerland and France over stolen bank data and tax evasion is threatening to undermine diplomatic relations between the two countries. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Who_is_cashing_in_on_cashmere.html?cid=7961266&rss=true Wed Dec 23 14:36:00 CET 2009 GMT Swiss consumers are buying more and more clothes made out of cashmere because prices have steadily fallen, but increasingly they are asking just how it is produced. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Wauwil_is_Switzerlands_first_child_friendly_town.html?cid=7956232&rss=true Tue Dec 22 19:49:00 CET 2009 GMT As a rule, children in Switzerland have it good. And in Wauwil life is especially congenial. Unicef recently named it a child friendly town – a Swiss first. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/Swiss_Muslims_put_their_problems_on_the_table_.html?cid=7956156&rss=true Tue Dec 22 21:06:21 CET 2009 GMT The vote to ban the construction of minarets in Switzerland has been a wake-up call to both the government and Swiss Muslims, round table talks have shown. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Polanski_case_takes_nod_toward_no_jail_time.html?cid=7953418&rss=true Tue Dec 22 14:16:00 CET 2009 GMT Judges in the United States have hinted that film director Roman Polanski, who is awaiting extradition from Switzerland, may not have to serve time in jail after all. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Christmas_is_bittersweet_for_chocolatier_in_US.html?cid=7946962&rss=true Tue Dec 22 08:02:00 CET 2009 GMT Americans are expected to spend less this holiday, and the Swiss chocolatier Teuscher, which offers luxury confectionaries to the US market, is feeling the pinch. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Earth-shaking_energy_project_cleared_in_court.html?cid=7946434&rss=true Mon Dec 21 14:58:00 CET 2009 GMT The head of a geothermal energy project in Basel which triggered several earth tremors three years ago has been acquitted of causing wilful criminal damage. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Vaccines_enjoy_renaissance_in_pharma_industry.html?cid=7945406&rss=true Mon Dec 21 12:52:00 CET 2009 GMT The swine flu pandemic forced pharma groups to develop vaccines as quickly as possible but the market for such disease-resistant products has been booming for years. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Housing_market_remains_on_solid_foundations.html?cid=7932474&rss=true Mon Dec 21 08:30:00 CET 2009 GMT The Swiss residential real estate sector is expected to dip slightly but remain stable next year, confirming its status as a pillar of strength for the economy. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/climate_change/news/Chaotic_drama_of_Copenhagen_roundly_panned.html?cid=7941098&rss=true Sun Dec 20 16:29:00 CET 2009 GMT Switzerland’s political parties, media and environmental groups have reacted to the outcome of the United Nations climate conference with incredulity and regret. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/Politicians_accused_of_doublespeak_on_languages.html?cid=7924416&rss=true Sun Dec 20 10:38:00 CET 2009 GMT Swiss politicians fail to recognise the value of multilingualism when the languages spoken are not the national tongues or English. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/climate_change/news/Leuenberger_says_Copenhagen_outcome_insufficient.html?cid=7938290&rss=true Sat Dec 19 15:07:00 CET 2009 GMT Environment Minister Moritz Leuenberger on Saturday had some kind words for the United Nations climate conference but criticised the result as “insufficient”. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Swiss_banks_should_step_up_Islamic_wealth_drive.html?cid=7913606&rss=true Sat Dec 19 16:38:00 CET 2009 GMT Switzerland faces a bigger threat from the developing private banking system in the Middle East than reaction to the minaret ban, according to one finance expert. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Leaving_UN_terror_blacklists_gets_easier.html?cid=7930598&rss=true Fri Dec 18 14:04:00 CET 2009 GMT Switzerland and other countries have convinced the United Nations Security Council to simplify the delisting procedure for people affected by anti-terror sanctions. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/climate_change/news/Swiss_pushes_issue_of_climate_refugees.html?cid=7928188&rss=true Fri Dec 18 09:54:00 CET 2009 GMT Any result in Copenhagen should include the issue of people forced to leave their homes by climate change, Walter Kälin tells swissinfo.ch. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/Minaret_vote_was_a_lesson_in_civic_spirit.html?cid=7916178&rss=true Wed Dec 16 16:27:00 CET 2009 GMT Two weeks after voters approved a ban on minaret construction, the rightwing Swiss People’s Party deputy Oskar Freysinger gives his reading of events. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/detail/index.html?cid=7921702&rss=true Thu Dec 17 12:03:00 CET 2009 GMT Swiss and French newspapers have mixed feelings following Finance Minister Hans-Rudolf Merz’s announcement that Switzerland would suspend a tax accord with France. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/First_in_vivo_baby_sees_light_of_day.html?cid=7916538&rss=true Wed Dec 16 16:57:00 CET 2009 GMT Swiss researchers have announced the first-ever birth of a baby via assisted in vivo fertilisation followed by full development inside the mother’s womb. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Swiss_to_accept_one_Guantanamo_detainee.html?cid=7914124&rss=true Wed Dec 16 15:19:00 CET 2009 GMT The Swiss government has said it will take one detainee from the United States detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/culture/Linguists_unite_against_English_invasion.html?cid=7911192&rss=true Wed Dec 16 13:08:00 CET 2009 GMT Largely unnoticed by English speakers, our fellow Europeans are sullenly suffering the colonisation of their native languages by Anglo-American terms. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/climate_change/news/Feeling_the_heat,_and_the_cold,_at_Copenhagen.html?cid=7909700&rss=true Wed Dec 16 08:38:00 CET 2009 GMT While “rather tense” negotiations continue inside the conference hall, many NGOs find themselves frozen out of the Copenhagen climate debate. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Former_UBS_chiefs_to_face_no_charges.html?cid=7907396&rss=true Tue Dec 15 18:14:00 CET 2009 GMT Public prosecutors have averted the prospect of another drawn out and expensive Swiss corporate trial by dropping a criminal probe into former UBS bank executives. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Swiss_banking_secrecy_under_fire/News/Tax_amnesty_to_hit_southern_canton_of_Ticino.html?cid=7903778&rss=true Tue Dec 15 13:49:00 CET 2009 GMT A successful Italian tax amnesty ends on Tuesday, with Switzerland left counting the cost to its financial centre. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/National_Muslim_body_is_not_a_priority.html?cid=7899186&rss=true Tue Dec 15 08:30:00 CET 2009 GMT Better ties between Muslims and the Swiss population should be a priority, and not the creation of a national Muslim umbrella organisation, says an Islamic expert. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Safety_does_not_worry_low-key_Swiss_politicians.html?cid=7898786&rss=true Mon Dec 14 21:42:00 CET 2009 GMT Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi probably didn't expect to end up in hospital on Sunday. But should his security detail have anticipated the attack on his person? http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/internal_affairs/Push_for_animal_rights_lawyer_ruffles_feathers.html?cid=7895362&rss=true Mon Dec 14 15:27:00 CET 2009 GMT Voters should reject an initiative to give animals a constitutional right to be defended by lawyers, the government said on Monday. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Cool_heads_prevail_on_the_ski_slopes.html?cid=7876312&rss=true Mon Dec 14 07:52:00 CET 2009 GMT The wearing of ski helmets will not become mandatory in Switzerland even though statistics show around 17,000 people suffer head injuries on the slopes each winter. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Brain_scans_could_detect_future_criminals.html?cid=7890714&rss=true Sun Dec 13 17:36:00 CET 2009 GMT Someone makes you a promise that seems too good to be true: they sound persuasive – but if only you could look inside their brain, you would know whether to trust them. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Klitschko_retains_heavyweight_title_on_points.html?cid=7888990&rss=true Sun Dec 13 11:16:00 CET 2009 GMT Heavyweight boxer Vitali Klitschko has successfully defended his WBC title at the PostFinance Arena in Bern against previously unbeaten Kevin Johnson. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Young_gamers_at_risk_from_addiction_.html?cid=7883552&rss=true Sat Dec 12 18:22:00 CET 2009 GMT As Christmas approaches, electronic game and console manufacturers are trying to persuade children and their parents to buy steeply discounted products to put under the tree. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/switzerland_schengen/Swiss_reflect_on_Schengen_progress_one_year_on.html?cid=7884928&rss=true Sat Dec 12 12:38:01 CET 2009 GMT On December 12, 2008 Switzerland officially opened its borders to citizens of the Schengen area and broke its physical isolation from its European neighbours. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/foreign_affairs/Tripoli_Two_reveal_faces.html?cid=7883852&rss=true Wed Dec 02 08:27:00 CET 2009 GMT Rachid Hamdani and Max Göldi, the two Swiss businessmen detained in Libya since July 2008, have released a photo to thank people in Switzerland for their support. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Switzerland_showcases_science_globally.html?cid=7881598&rss=true Fri Dec 11 14:56:00 CET 2009 GMT Swiss science and technology is continuing to push back global boundaries with an ongoing programme to promote collaboration projects worldwide. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/climate_change/news/Will_church_bells_toll_for_the_climate.html?cid=7872030&rss=true Fri Dec 11 08:29:00 CET 2009 GMT The bells of world’s churches are set to toll on Sunday afternoon in a bid to raise awareness about climate change but in Switzerland, many will stay silent. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/Controversial_deportation_decision_postponed.html?cid=7872394&rss=true Thu Dec 10 19:57:00 CET 2009 GMT Parliament has delayed taking a decision on a rightwing proposal to automatically deport foreigners convicted of serious crimes. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Shelters_for_battered_men_open_their_doors.html?cid=7868668&rss=true Thu Dec 10 14:05:00 CET 2009 GMT By the end of this week, German-speaking Switzerland will have its first two homes for battered men, highlighting a social problem often mired in taboo. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/Something_is_culturally_wrong_in_Switzerland.html?cid=7862818&rss=true Wed Dec 09 13:58:00 CET 2009 GMT Switzerland’s image as a country of human rights has been rocked by the ban on the construction of minarets, according to a Swiss member of the Council of Europe. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Swiss_industrialist_faces_trial_over_asbestos_.html?cid=7865644&rss=true Wed Dec 09 17:13:00 CET 2009 GMT A major trial opens in Italy on Thursday in which a Swiss industrialist is accused of co-responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of workers. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Parliamentarian_still_finds_inspiration_at_78.html?cid=7861696&rss=true Wed Dec 09 11:43:00 CET 2009 GMT He stands out among the 246 parliamentarians in more than one way – Jacques Neirynck who sits in the House of Representatives, musing about the driving forces of politics. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Hedge_funds_value_culture_over_tax_breaks.html?cid=7859218&rss=true Tue Dec 08 21:11:00 CET 2009 GMT Switzerland’s hopes of luring hedge funds over from London depend more on creating the right business culture than tax incentives, according to an industry expert. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/Iraqi_rights_minister_sees_more_violence_ahead.html?cid=7859084&rss=true Tue Dec 08 20:35:00 CET 2009 GMT As Baghdad suffered its deadliest bombings since October, Iraq’s human rights minister said violence was likely to intensify ahead of general elections on March 7. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/climate_change/news/Poor_need_more_than_hot_air_from_Copenhagen_.html?cid=7855178&rss=true Tue Dec 08 12:02:00 CET 2009 GMT In Bangladesh, experts and ordinary people alike say the country ought to anticipate little from the United Nations climate conference currently underway in Denmark. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Christmas_shoppers_optimistic_despite_clouds.html?cid=7853040&rss=true Tue Dec 08 08:02:00 CET 2009 GMT Consumers are expected to be out in force on the high streets during the festive season despite worries about jobs and the scale of increasing costs next year. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/Arab_press_say_Swiss_neutrality_is_failing.html?cid=7852252&rss=true Wed Dec 09 15:29:00 CET 2009 GMT Following Switzerland’s decision to ban new minarets, reaction in the Arab media has ranged from calls for sanctions to the need for self-critical reflection. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Red-hot_Iceman_shines_with_skiing_hat-trick.html?cid=7849520&rss=true Mon Dec 07 13:22:00 CET 2009 GMT Swiss skier Carlo Janka has become the talk of the ski world after winning three consecutive alpine men's World Cup ski races in three days in different disciplines. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/climate_change/news/Switzerland_has_its_word_to_say_in_Copenhagen.html?cid=7845284&rss=true Sun Dec 06 18:10:00 CET 2009 GMT Swiss Environment Minister Moritz Leuenberger says he is travelling with cautious optimism to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Denmark. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Fragmented_cleantech_sector_needs_shake-up_.html?cid=7763448&rss=true Sun Dec 06 17:43:00 CET 2009 GMT Switzerland's developing cleantech industry needs to be better organised and start-ups should be more focused to keep pace with global competitors, experts agree. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/Cabinet_avoided_necessary_debate_over_Islam_.html?cid=7838136&rss=true Sun Dec 06 10:32:00 CET 2009 GMT The proposal for a minaret ban was treated too hastily by the Swiss authorities, who have to take part of the blame for the result of a nationwide vote says a political commentator. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/sport/Swiss_skiers_on_a_roll.html?cid=7844136&rss=true Sun Dec 06 12:34:00 CET 2009 GMT Two times two: Swiss skiers have taken the first two podium places in two World Cup disciplines in two days. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/New_Bern_-_300_years/Mother_wines_and_dines_daughter_city_delegation.html?cid=7837294&rss=true Sat Dec 05 11:14:00 CET 2009 GMT The Swiss capital has helped its official daughter city in the United States, New Bern, launch its tricentennial celebrations. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Poverty_touches_old_and_young_in_Switzerland.html?cid=7841052&rss=true Sat Dec 05 11:30:00 CET 2009 GMT It can take as little as a broken pair of glasses to cause financial hardship for the 45,000 elderly people living on the poverty line in Switzerland. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/Director_Polanski_begins_chalet_arrest.html?cid=7836014&rss=true Fri Dec 04 13:29:00 CET 2009 GMT Blue skies, snow-capped mountains and hoards of journalists welcomed film director Roman Polanski to his luxury Gstaad home on his first day of house arrest. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Inflation_threat_divides_opinion.html?cid=7840032&rss=true Fri Dec 04 20:58:00 CET 2009 GMT The threat of galloping inflation becoming the next evil to afflict the Swiss – and global – economy has forecasters gazing into different crystal balls. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/American_Muslims_fear_for_European_counterparts_.html?cid=7832952&rss=true Fri Dec 04 08:58:00 CET 2009 GMT Switzerland’s decision to ban minarets has sparked outrage by Muslim-Americans who have called the vote “xenophobic and bigoted”. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/Switzerland_should_not_fear_backlash_over_ban.html?cid=7829502&rss=true Thu Dec 03 20:56:00 CET 2009 GMT Switzerland should not be worried about a violent backlash by the Arab-Muslim world over the vote to ban minarets, says Swiss Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/End_of_the_road_for_cheap_mobility.html?cid=7828446&rss=true Thu Dec 03 15:15:00 CET 2009 GMT Switzerland has too much traffic in too little space, but the transport ministry’s latest proposals to face up to the challenge mean a real change of direction. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/Private_banks_must_adapt_to_survive.html?cid=7826438&rss=true Thu Dec 03 10:26:00 CET 2009 GMT The changing landscape of global wealth management will force Swiss private banks to change the way they operate in order to compete, experts agree. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/WTO_warns_time_running_out_for_Doha_deal.html?cid=7817622&rss=true Wed Dec 02 21:31:19 CET 2009 GMT Trade ministers appear unable to bridge a gap between emerging and developed nations that could break the eight-year stalemate in the Doha round of trade talks. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/Legal_questions_raised_following_minaret_vote.html?cid=7816332&rss=true Wed Dec 02 14:27:00 CET 2009 GMT After Switzerland's vote to ban the construction of minarets, a plan to build such a tower in the town of Langenthal could provoke an international conflict. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/internal_affairs/Swiss_businessmen_in_Libya_given_16_months.html?cid=7814130&rss=true Wed Dec 02 08:27:39 CET 2009 GMT A Libyan court has sentenced two Swiss businessmen to 16 months in prison for visa irregularities and tax evasion, it has been confirmed by the Swiss government. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/Swiss_women_fill_high_political_office_in_2010.html?cid=7813438&rss=true Wed Dec 02 08:51:18 CET 2009 GMT Next year the three highest political positions in Switzerland will be held by women, although women only got the vote in federal elections in 1971. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/detail/index.html?cid=7813618&rss=true Tue Dec 01 21:44:00 CET 2009 GMT Switzerland's system of direct democracy has won it praise in the past, but a vote to ban minarets has led many to question the much vaunted ideal. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science_technology/Living_with_HIV_as_a_constant_companion.html?cid=7811568&rss=true Tue Dec 01 14:12:19 CET 2009 GMT At 33.4 million, there are more people living with HIV than ever before, mainly because antiretroviral therapy is prolonging lives. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Result_and_reactions/Rightwing_rejects_parallel_Muslim_society.html?cid=7822676&rss=true Tue Dec 01 08:13:00 CET 2009 GMT The rightwing Swiss People's Party is planning further steps against the spread of Islam in Switzerland following voters' approval of a ban on new minarets. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/internal_affairs/Swiss_minaret_ban_sends_ripples_worldwide.html?cid=7793976&rss=true Mon Nov 30 17:37:40 CET 2009 GMT Swiss voters' decision to ban the construction of minarets has drawn worldwide criticism, with the United Nations and Council of Europe expressing outright concern. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/Swiss_voters_were_misled.html?cid=7794090&rss=true Mon Nov 30 16:22:00 CET 2009 GMT Following Sunday's vote to ban minaret construction in Switzerland, a prominent Swiss Muslim talks to swissinfo.ch about an "aggressive and misleading" campaign. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/Worlds_press_dissect_Swiss_minaret_ban.html?cid=7794338&rss=true Mon Nov 30 13:25:00 CET 2009 GMT The Swiss vote to ban minarets reflects the fears of many Europeans but has tarnished the country's reputation, many international commentators believe. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/The_minaret_ban_hits_the_Swiss_headlines.html?cid=7794388&rss=true Mon Nov 30 12:25:00 CET 2009 GMT Sunday's clear decision by Swiss voters to ban further construction of minarets in the country has sent shockwaves around Switzerland and elsewhere. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/internal_affairs/Government_seeks_to_limit_impact_of_minaret_ban.html?cid=7794180&rss=true Sun Nov 29 20:13:50 CET 2009 GMT The government says voters' approval of a ban on new minarets reflects fears among the Swiss population of Islamic fundamentalism. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/internal_affairs/International_Muslim_concern_at_minaret_vote.html?cid=7793858&rss=true Sun Nov 29 19:17:00 CET 2009 GMT Reaction to the Swiss anti-minaret vote in the wider Islamic community has reflected shock, sadness and concern, but also a determination to try to build bridges. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/top_news/Minaret_result_seen_as_turning_point.html?cid=7793740&rss=true Sun Nov 29 16:52:06 CET 2009 GMT Swiss voters' clear decision on Sunday to ban the construction of minarets has generated a wide range of emotions, from stunned joy to rueful concern. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Minaret_Debate/Ahead_of_the_vote/Minaret_ban_approved_by_57_per_cent_of_voters.html?cid=7793916&rss=true Sun Nov 29 16:20:00 CET 2009 GMT To the great surprise of pollsters and the regret of the government, the Swiss on Sunday said yes to a ban on the construction of minarets. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Roger_Federer/News/Federer_denied_London_tennis_finals.html?cid=7785930&rss=true Sat Nov 28 18:20:00 CET 2009 GMT Roger Federer has failed to qualify for Sunday's final of the World Tour Finals in London after losing to Nikolay Davydenko 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Teenagers_raise_their_voices_over_climate.html?cid=7779452&rss=true Sat Nov 28 15:15:11 CET 2009 GMT As world leaders gear up for key climate talks in Copenhagen, those who are will bear the consequences of global warming - children - are also discussing the issue. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/A_Swiss_apple_a_day_keeps_wrinkles_at_bay.html?cid=7668056&rss=true Sat Nov 28 10:08:26 CET 2009 GMT A rare Swiss apple is being hailed in the cosmetic and fashion world as an exciting anti-ageing breakthrough – even Michelle Obama is rumoured to be a fan.