Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Swiss reassure EU of desire for further accords

This content was published on Feb 16, 2001 The Swedish prime minister, Göran Persson, told Leuenberger that Sweden was prepared for early and wide-ranging discussions on a series of issues, aimed at intensifying ties between the Swiss and the EU. Persson said he was confident that solutions could be found to outstanding problems, and called for discussions to take place while Sweden had…

Swiss Politics

Geneva celebrates contributions of refugees

This content was published on Feb 15, 2001 The Streets of Geneva exhibition is being organised by the city authorities as part of the events marking the 50th anniversary of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR). It will be on display in a number of public places until the end of July. Consisting of 16 large information panels, the exhibition is currently at…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland joins Nato virtual peacekeeping mission

This content was published on Feb 15, 2001 The chiefs of staffs from all 19 Nato countries and 14 partner nations will be faced with the task of keeping the peace on a fictitious island, Nogisland, for one week. However, they will work from their own offices and no troops will be deployed. The Swiss defence ministry said the exercise would entail planning…

Swiss Politics

Swissaid launches power-to-the-people campaign

This content was published on Feb 14, 2001 Swissaid says that without people who show courage and determination against intransigent or bad government, development would remain a dead letter in many parts of the world. The Bern-based organisation says its long-term objective is to empower people at the grassroots level in developing countries so that they do not become dependent on outside help,…

Swiss Politics

Geneva first to move to “high-tech” voting

This content was published on Feb 13, 2001 On March 4, machines will be used to count the majority of ballots from canton Geneva in a nationwide vote on the “Yes to Europe” initiative, which calls on the federal government to open immediate membership negotiations with the European Union. Five machines will be used to count postal votes, which account for a staggering…

Swiss Politics

Cantons seek to slow moves towards Europe

This content was published on Feb 9, 2001 In a letter delivered to the federal government, the Conference of Cantonal Governments says Switzerland must consider what effect its actions could have on Swiss neutrality and federalism. They fear that the continuation of bilateral negotiations with the EU could lead to a loss of cantonal sovereignty. Peter Schönenberger, the Conference president, said the cantons…

Swiss Politics

Swiss women mark 30th anniversary of right to vote

This content was published on Feb 6, 2001 The anniversary is certainly an occasion to celebrate, not only for women but for all of Swiss society, says Chiara Simoneschi-Cortesi, President of the Federal Commission on Women’s Issues. “We know the situation is not yet perfect,” she told swissinfo, “but when you look at parliaments in other parts of Europe – not Northern Europe…

Swiss Politics

Artists join Swiss campaign for EU membership

This content was published on Feb 2, 2001 The artists have created posters, each of which is to be printed in a limited edition of 100 signed and numbered copies. The proceeds of sales will go to the “Yes to Europe!” campaign, to help finance preparations for a people’s initiative, which is to go to a nationwide vote on March 4. The initiative,…

Swiss Politics

War fortresses let down their defences

This content was published on Feb 1, 2001 The military installations were carved out of the rock deep underground and date back to the Second World War. They were specially constructed to defend Switzerland in case of a Nazi invasion. The Grynau fortress in canton Schwyz was the first to open closely followed by the Sargans fortress in canton St Gallen. Tours are…

Swiss Politics

Swiss diplomats arrive in Baghdad

This content was published on Feb 1, 2001 “They have recently arrived in Baghdad and have already begun representing Switzerland,” said foreign ministry spokesman, Rolf Stücheli. “Their top priority will be to find out more about opportunities for Swiss humanitarian assistance and technical issues.” Swiss humanitarian aid to Iraq in 2000 amounted to SFr24 million ($2.2 million). It was channelled through the UN’s…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Swiss reassure EU of desire for further accords

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Geneva celebrates contributions of refugees

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Switzerland joins Nato virtual peacekeeping mission

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Swissaid launches power-to-the-people campaign

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Geneva first to move to “high-tech” voting

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Cantons seek to slow moves towards Europe

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Swiss women mark 30th anniversary of right to vote

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Artists join Swiss campaign for EU membership

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War fortresses let down their defences

More

Swiss diplomats arrive in Baghdad

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