Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Swiss hope for progress at Iraq conference

This content was published on Jun 22, 2005 Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey is hoping the conference will give a fresh impetus to the democratisation and stabilisation of Iraq. The aim of the conference, co-hosted by the European Union and the United States, is to provide a forum for Iraq’s new transitional government. The 30-man Iraqi delegation, headed by Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari,…

Swiss Politics

Swiss support push for democracy in Iraq

This content was published on Jun 22, 2005 Following the conference, Calmy-Rey said Switzerland was willing to assist the Iraqi government with the task of writing a new constitution. Calmy-Rey represented Switzerland at the Brussels conference, which was attended by high-ranking officials from 80 countries and international organisations. Co-hosted by the European Union and the United States, the conference was called to provide…

Swiss Politics

Swiss criticise UN reform plan as too vague

This content was published on Jun 21, 2005 Peter Maurer’s demands come ahead of a meeting of heads of state in New York in September, when it is hoped world leaders will approve the most far-ranging reforms of the UN in its history. The sweeping reforms focus on development, security and human rights, and include calls for an enlarged Security Council, a Swiss…

Swiss Politics

Swiss strive for peace in Sudan

This content was published on Jun 21, 2005 The United Nations is to take over responsibility for keeping the peace between the government and rebels in the south of the country with Switzerland’s support. The ceasefire agreement was signed at the luxury Bürgenstock resort above Lake Lucerne in January 2002. Since then Switzerland has played a key role in keeping both sides at…

Swiss Politics

Thousands demonstrate in support of refugees

This content was published on Jun 18, 2005 Events were held simultaneously in 200 other towns across the country to protest at Switzerland’s tougher stance on asylum issues. “We will not put up with xenophobic words and political parties,” said Hannes Reiser of the European Citizens’ Forum in an opening speech. Among other speakers at the Bern gathering was former government minister Ruth…

Swiss Politics

Residents back industrial development plan

This content was published on Jun 18, 2005 Approved by the local executive, the plan had met with resistance from many of the community’s 1,548 residents, who collected enough signatures to force Sunday’s referendum. Thomas Fleiner, director of Fribourg University Institute of Federalism, told swissinfo the case was a good example of how direct democracy works in Switzerland. The Swatch Group, the world’s…

Swiss Politics

Latvian talks focus on defence and Europe

This content was published on Jun 17, 2005 European issues, specifically Switzerland’s agreement with the European Union on the free movement of people, were the focus of discussions during the two-day visit. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga told Schmid she hoped Swiss voters would agree to extend the treaty to the ten new EU member states, which include Latvia, when they go to the…

Swiss Politics

Calmy-Rey to discuss future status of Kosovo

This content was published on Jun 15, 2005 Her visit comes less than a month after a senior Swiss diplomat referred to the possibility of independence for the province during a speech to the United Nations Security Council. The Swiss ambassador to the UN in New York, Peter Maurer, spoke of an “evolution towards a formal independence” for Kosovo at a Security Council…

Swiss Politics

EU labour accord splits Swiss People’s Party

This content was published on Jun 14, 2005 At least 20 members of parliament have told the media that they oppose the party’s official position, which is against extending an existing EU accord on the free movement of people. The issue has also divided the country – according to a recent poll, 44 per cent would vote “no” to removing restrictions for citizens…

Swiss Politics

Extension of free movement gets short shrift

This content was published on Jun 12, 2005 If voters turn down the extension in September, bilateral treaties signed by Switzerland and the EU – including the Schengen/Dublin accords on security and asylum – could be threatened. The survey, carried out on behalf of the Matin Dimanche newspaper a few days after the Swiss voted in favour of the Schengen/Dublin accords, shows that…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Swiss hope for progress at Iraq conference

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Swiss support push for democracy in Iraq

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Swiss criticise UN reform plan as too vague

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Swiss strive for peace in Sudan

More

Thousands demonstrate in support of refugees

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Residents back industrial development plan

More

Latvian talks focus on defence and Europe

More

Calmy-Rey to discuss future status of Kosovo

More

EU labour accord splits Swiss People’s Party

More

Extension of free movement gets short shrift

Popular Stories

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