Government calls for two-stage border accords
Switzerland wants to implement the Schengen/Dublin agreements on open borders with the European Union in two stages, the government said on Friday.
The government said it hoped to introduce the Schengen system at its land borders on December 5/6 but would prefer to wait until the timetable change of March 29 2009 before applying it at airports.
The Schengen accord abolishes systematic controls on individuals within its zone of application and increases cooperation in the fight against cross-border crime.
The Dublin accord aims to end asylum applications in more than one country. If an asylum seeker attempts to submit an application after previously applying in another state in the Dublin zone, that person can be sent back to where the first request was made.
On Thursday the House of Representatives followed the Senate in voting in favour of modifications to laws on foreigners and asylum, making it possible for Switzerland to apply the accords.
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