Government accepts army chief’s notice

The Swiss cabinet - in its first meeting after the summer break - has formally accepted the resignation of the head of the armed forces, Roland Nef.

Nef had announced he wanted to step down last month after allegations of sexual harassment and questions about his integrity.

President Pascal Couchepin told a news conference after the meeting on Wednesday that Nef would receive a “suitable” amount. Later it was announced that his severance pay would be SFr275,000 ($250,592).

In other business, Couchepin said he was very reassured about what have been at times strained relations between Switzerland and Colombia.

“President Álvaro Uribe telephoned me in mid-July and reaffirmed Colombia’s wish to maintain good relations with Switzerland,” he said.

He noted Bogotá’s decision to abandon international mediation efforts in its contacts with the Farc leftwing rebel group, efforts in which Switzerland had played a role.

Couchepin said the government had also discussed relations with Libya, where two Swiss who were detained for a time on alleged immigration violations, are still not allowed to leave the country.

The president also said Switzerland wanted to conclude the so-called Doha Round of trade liberalisation talks under the auspices of the World Trade Organization “as soon as reasonably possible”.