Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Defence minister faces showdown in parliament

This content was published on Sep 14, 2008 The credibility of embattled Defence Minister Samuel Schmid could be further undermined if the armament programme and further reform steps are rejected over the next three weeks. Parliament is due to continue discussions on a SFr917 million ($812 million) credit to acquire armoured personnel carriers and other transport vehicles as well to maintain and update…

Swiss Politics

BMW Sauber come third in GP at Monza

This content was published on Sep 14, 2008 Germany’s Sebastian Vettel of Toro Rosso won from pole position and edged McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen on the slick Monza circuit on Sunday. The 21-year-old became the youngest driver to win a Formula One race. Kubica’s team-mate, Nick Heidfeld, who came second last weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix, was fifth. The BMW Sauber pilots…

Swiss Politics

Speaking out in favour of illegal immigrants

This content was published on Sep 13, 2008 The protesters marched through the streets of the capital, Bern, on Saturday demanding an end to deportations of people without valid residence permits, including rejected asylum seekers. The organisers, which are supported by the Green Party, said the policy of the government was not in line with the Council of Europe, which champions human rights.…

Swiss Politics

Calls to rein in private security firms

This content was published on Sep 13, 2008 There are at least two known cases in which an employee of a private security company infiltrated leftwing groups ahead of a summit of leading industrial nations near Geneva in 2003. Widmer-Schlumpf said it was the task of police to ensure security. She added that the federal government could consider nationwide rules although cantons have…

Swiss Politics

Swiss intermediary met alleged war criminal

This content was published on Sep 12, 2008 The intermediary, Julian Hottinger, told the Tagesanzeiger newspaper that he had met Joseph Kony, leader of the so-called Lord’s Resistance Army, about six times between 2006 and 2008. The meetings occurred despite the fact that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued arrest warrants against Kony and three of his commanders in 2005, on suspicion…

Swiss Politics

Ministers agree to closer Swiss-Turkish ties

This content was published on Sep 11, 2008 The two countries signed an extension to their 2001 memorandum of understanding in Bern on Thursday stating they would hold future talks on the issues. Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey noted that the partnership had great potential. She also praised renewed dialogue efforts between Turkey and Armenia, damaged as a result of the mass killing…

Swiss Politics

Little luck for childless couples

This content was published on Sep 11, 2008 The justice ministry said on Thursday that 299 foreign children were adopted last year, compared with nearly twice that number only four years ago. Most of the children came from Ethiopia, Thailand, India, Colombia and Russia. Many countries have succeeded in keeping children with their biological parents or placing them with adoptive parents nationally, a…

Swiss Politics

Farmers to get help with liberalisation

This content was published on Sep 10, 2008 The cabinet said on Wednesday that it would release SFr400 million ($354 million) annually to finance “accompanying measures” if Switzerland and the European Union reach a free trade agreement on agricultural products. The measures will also be needed if the World Trade Organisation achieves a similar agreement. In either case, farmers stand to lose billions…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet approves disarmament report

This content was published on Sep 10, 2008 The report approved on Wednesday highlights the government’s diplomatic activities since 2004 to reduce the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to promote “human security”. A key objective is to “ensure national and international security at the lowest possible level of armaments” . The report also mentions Switzerland’s operational activities such as its support…

Swiss Politics

Swiss envoy warns of anti-American sentiment

This content was published on Sep 9, 2008 He told swissinfo after a Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce meeting in Lugano that there was a trend to simplify the realities of the United States. Ziswiler said he did not expect any great changes for Switzerland after the US presidential election, adding that despite a few minor problems with Washington, Switzerland enjoyed an “excellent” reputation…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Defence minister faces showdown in parliament

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BMW Sauber come third in GP at Monza

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Speaking out in favour of illegal immigrants

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Calls to rein in private security firms

More

Swiss intermediary met alleged war criminal

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Ministers agree to closer Swiss-Turkish ties

More

Little luck for childless couples

More

Farmers to get help with liberalisation

More

Cabinet approves disarmament report

More

Swiss envoy warns of anti-American sentiment

Popular Stories

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