Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Maurer to visit Israel amid thaw in relations

This content was published on Oct 8, 2010 While some observers say his meetings with top Israeli officials suggest a more positive phase after recent tensions between the two states, several Swiss groups and politicians have tried to stop the visit, claiming it discredits Switzerland. During his three-day trip Maurer is due to meet Israeli President Shimon Peres and Defence Minister Ehud Barak,…

Swiss Politics

Displaced Iraqis face uncertain future

This content was published on Oct 7, 2010 Swiss human-rights expert and United Nations’ representative for the human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) Walter Kälin, who has just spent a week in Iraq, tells swissinfo.ch about the issue with which he is most concerned. According to the Iraqi government, about 1.5 million people have been displaced from their homes since 2006. It…

Swiss Politics

Once banned absinthe retains mythical appeal

This content was published on Oct 7, 2010 Now the drink is legal, the industry is moving to protect it by giving it a special label. But the economic crisis is starting to show its effects, especially in exports to the former boom country of the United States. “There was a terrible crime in 1905, a vineyard worker who had drunk an awful…

Swiss Politics

Guantanamo Uighurs take steps towards integration

This content was published on Oct 6, 2010 However, communication and getting used to another culture has presented the two brothers with challenges – as has living with the memories of Guantanamo. Arkin and Bahtiyar Mahmut spent seven-and-a-half years in the United States-run prison, of which two were in solitary confinement, without being charged or convicted. The men, who come from the Turkic-speaking…

Swiss Politics

Kosovo gets SFr15 million annual aid package

This content was published on Oct 6, 2010 Above all, the new Balkan state needs an improved water supply, the Swiss foreign ministry said on Wednesday. Other goals include fostering private business, improving vocational training and bolstering the rule of law. “The aim of the cooperation is to promote political, economic and social reforms,” the ministry said. Assistance is largely carried out through…

Swiss Politics

Smoking ban hits tobacco sales

This content was published on Oct 6, 2010 Turnover of tobacco retailers has dropped by up to nine per cent a month and the Federal Customs Administration says the import of tobacco goods fell by 12.8 per cent between May and August, according to a report in the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper. “This development is positive for the health of everyone,” said Otto Brändli, president…

Swiss Politics

Protecting miners against tunnel health dangers

This content was published on Oct 6, 2010 Not only do the men have to deal with hard physical work, but there are also high temperatures, tropical humidity, constant noise and dust, as well as lots of tunnel traffic to consider. The day of final breakthrough of the new rail tunnel on October 15 will thrust the miners into the media spotlight –…

Swiss Politics

Jordan’s emergency services get Swiss aid

This content was published on Oct 6, 2010 As part of her economic mission in Jordan on Tuesday, Swiss President Doris Leuthard signed a deal that will supply about 100 new ambulances as well as training for rescue workers. The modern vehicles will be able to tackle desert and mountain terrain. Meanwhile, new quality assurance measures will see to it that workers can…

Swiss Politics

Power shared beyond cabinet inner circle

This content was published on Oct 4, 2010 But if the other parties represented in the government have complained about the situation, the effects may be less important than the public believe. The centre-left Social Democratic Party said they were betrayed after last Monday’s decisions, while the rightwing Swiss People’s Party reckoned the centre-right parties – the Christian Democrats and the Radicals –…

Swiss Politics

Campaign launched for deportation vote

This content was published on Oct 4, 2010 Swiss voters will have their say on November 28 on a proposal to automatically deport foreigners convicted of serious crimes. Both government and parliament recommend voters reject it and accept the counterproposal instead. “Making the fight against crime more efficient is a major concern of the population,” said Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf on behalf of the government…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Maurer to visit Israel amid thaw in relations

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Displaced Iraqis face uncertain future

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Once banned absinthe retains mythical appeal

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Guantanamo Uighurs take steps towards integration

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Kosovo gets SFr15 million annual aid package

More

Smoking ban hits tobacco sales

More

Protecting miners against tunnel health dangers

More

Jordan’s emergency services get Swiss aid

More

Power shared beyond cabinet inner circle

More

Campaign launched for deportation vote

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