The fact that the so-called “Novichok” nerve gas was used for the first time is of particular concern, the spokeswoman said. She added that the incident was all the more worrying as it follows a series of similar violations of international law in recent years. According to her, Switzerland reiterates that it is essential for peace and stability to respect international norms and rules.
The spokeswoman also stressed the importance of the investigation into the circumstances of the attack by the British authorities, with help from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). On Thursday, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that a sample of the substance will be sent to the OPCW.
The chemical attack on March 4 against the former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia has triggered a confrontation between Moscow and London. Both victims remain in critical condition after the murder attempt in Salisbury, England.
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On Saturday the Lake Geneva, Valais and Basel regions are expected to record the first tropical day of the year, with temperatures exceeding 30°C.
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The Swiss economy saw the clouds that had gathered over its prospects lift somewhat in May. However, the KOF economic barometer is still below its long-term average.
Direct operations too dangerous in Swiss landslide valley
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By Friday morning 365 people had been forced to leave their homes because of Wednesday's landslide in the Swiss village of Blatten.
Franco-Swiss raclette war set to be settled on Sunday
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The battle for the world's largest raclette will be transformed on Sunday in Saint-Gingolph, canton Valais, into a raclette of friendship served at the border.
Flood risk threatens Swiss valley after ‘millennium event’ glacier collapse
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Two days after a gigantic avalanche of ice, mud and debris buried much of the village of Blatten in canton Valais, the danger is not over.
Situation in Swiss landslide valley remains unstable
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Authorities in Valais said on Thursday that it was still too dangerous to begin clear-up activities around the village of Blatten.
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More spies visiting Switzerland as diplomats
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The Swiss Federal Council has reported an increase in foreign espionage, particularly aided by technology and by spies posing as diplomats.
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A Swiss man accused of spying on the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia’s (NRW) tax authority has confessed and named names. In a Frankfurt court on Thursday, the 54-year-old man, identified only as Daniel M., explained via his defence team that he had not acted with criminal intent. Rather his motivation was “patriotism, a desire…
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