Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Bhutan takes first step towards democracy

This content was published on Mar 29, 2008 The move is part of the democratic transition taking place in Bhutan, which is about the same size as Switzerland. “If there is a country in the region that can introduce and live democracy, it’s Bhutan,” Werner Kuelling, local head of Swiss aid organisation Helvetas, said after the elections which ended a century of absolute…

Swiss Politics

Swiss embassy opens in Kosovo

This content was published on Mar 28, 2008 “Only an independent Kosovo can develop economically and politically, and Switzerland is contributing to the stability of the region by helping the construction of this state,” she said. As a state, Kosovo could be a “true partner” with whom Bern could negotiate agreements. There are about 60 bilateral accords that were made with the former…

Swiss Politics

Measles outbreak prompts shots for all

This content was published on Mar 28, 2008 The epidemic has reached all parts of the country, with 2,000 cases in the past 16 months and 133 sufferers treated in hospital, the Federal Health Office said on Friday. Half of those affected were aged between five and 15. A total of 98 per cent of patients had either received just one of two…

Swiss Politics

Hedge fund ends Implenia bid

This content was published on Mar 28, 2008 The hedge fund said Friday that it decided to end the offer because Implenia’s board had refused to fully register shares held by funds under Laxey’s management with the correct voting rights. Implenia’s board of directors on Tuesday described the takeover bid as a “sham” from the outset, with Laxey missing its target by a…

Switzerland set to open embassy in Kosovo

This content was published on Mar 28, 2008 Her five-day visit to three Balkan countries – she has already visited Bosnia-Herzegovina and will go to Macedonia on Sunday – had sparked criticism that Bern has deliberately omitted Serbia from the itinerary. But a foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday that a visit to Belgrade had not been possible on this trip and that…

Swiss Politics

Swiss pledge support for Bosnia

This content was published on Mar 27, 2008 Switzerland has granted Bosnia aid worth €210 million (SFr330 million) over the past few years for de-mining, judicial and constitutional reform and the development of civil society. Calmy-Rey said she deplored that fact that it was not possible to schedule a visit to Serbia as part of her five-day visit to southeastern Europe, including Kosovo.…

Swiss Politics

Calmy-Rey under fire over Balkan visit

This content was published on Mar 26, 2008 Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia are also on the itinerary, but commentators have expressed concerns that Serbia has been deliberately omitted. Calmy-Rey’s visit comes a week after she ruffled feathers at home and abroad for attending the signing of a Swiss-Iranian gas deal in Teheran – and for wearing a headscarf. On her visit to the Kosovan…

Swiss Politics

Protests disrupt Olympic flame ceremony

This content was published on Mar 24, 2008 Despite such disruptions, which come in the wake of China’s violent crackdown in Tibet, a Swiss former United Nations special rapporteur believes a boycott of the Games is not the solution. On Monday three men evaded massive security and ran onto the field of the stadium in Greece’s Ancient Olympia during the flame-lighting ceremony. The…

Swiss Politics

Criticism over Iran visit again rejected

This content was published on Mar 23, 2008 She denied allegations she was the victim of state propaganda by the Iranian authorities trying to bypass international sanctions. Calmy-Rey reiterated that she raised human rights issues during her talks with the president, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, and the Iranian foreign minister. She also said her presence at the signing ceremony for a deal between a private…

Swiss Politics

Development aid to be more streamlined

This content was published on Mar 20, 2008 On Thursday the House of Representatives followed the Senate in voting in favour of reducing the list of priority nations from 17 to 12. Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey said this would be the second reduction in priority countries since 2003, when the number was lowered from 24 to the current 17. Calmy-Rey supported the move…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Bhutan takes first step towards democracy

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Swiss embassy opens in Kosovo

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Measles outbreak prompts shots for all

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Hedge fund ends Implenia bid

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Switzerland set to open embassy in Kosovo

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Swiss pledge support for Bosnia

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Calmy-Rey under fire over Balkan visit

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Protests disrupt Olympic flame ceremony

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Criticism over Iran visit again rejected

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Development aid to be more streamlined

Popular Stories

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