German foreign minister visits Berne
The German foreign minister, Joschka Fischer, is in Berne on Wednesday for bilateral talks with Swiss leaders, on matters including the recent elections in Yugoslavia.
Fischer will initially meet his Swiss counterpart, Joseph Deiss, and subsequently hold talks with the president, Adolf Ogi.
Discussions are to focus on a range of foreign policy issues. The post-vote situation in Yugoslavia, and international efforts to bring stability to the Balkans are the key items on the agenda.
Another matter for discussion is Swiss integration into the European Union and security issues relating to the 15-nation bloc.
Switzerland is waiting for parliaments in EU countries to ratify a set of bilateral accords with the EU, which the Swiss people approved in a referendum in May.
The Swiss government’s desire to join the United Nations is also expected to feature in the discussions. The Swiss will vote in a popular ballot in two years’ time on whether to join the UN.
Switzerland and Germany will also look at the political situation in the Caucasus and the Middle East.
It is not known whether the dispute between the two countries regarding the number of flights to and from Zurich’s Kloten airport will be discussed.
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