Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Defence ministry was aware Nato weapons contained depleted uranium

This content was published on Jan 13, 2001 The head of the Swiss contingent, Christoph Brun, issued a report on Friday revealing that the ministry was aware that Nato was using uranium-tipped weapons in its campaign to oust Serb forces from Kosovo. Fears surfaced recently that radioactive particles from depleted uranium shells used by Nato may be responsible for cases of leukaemia among…

Swiss Politics

Campaign launched for EU membership negotiations

This content was published on Jan 9, 2001 Members of the initiative committee said in Bern on Tuesday that Switzerland was at a crossroads. “We have to decide whether we want to take part in building the future of Europe, or whether we remain isolated,” said the committee’s president, Marc Suter. Another speaker said: “It is no use delaying the question any more,…

Swiss Politics

Geneva man embarks on a different Dakar rally

This content was published on Jan 6, 2001 Like the rally-drivers, Daniel Richard, founder of the Future through Schooling Association (AAE), will take his four-wheel drive land cruiser vehicle through France and Spain and into Morocco and the disputed Western Sahara. He will then travel through Senegal, Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo and Ghana. His eventual destination is Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso,…

Swiss Politics

Kurds protest in Bern at Turkish military campaign

This content was published on Jan 6, 2001 The Turkish media reported on Saturday that Ankara has sent 10,000 of its troops into Northern Iraq in a major operation against rebel guerrillas of the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Newpapers have reported since December that the military was building up its strength for an offensive in the remote mountainous area. The Protesters also…

Swiss Politics

Doctors dismiss risks to Swiss exposed to radiation in Balkans

This content was published on Jan 5, 2001 Speaking in Bern on Friday, Swiss army physicians said they were confident that Swiss personnel serving in the Balkans were not at risk from radioactive debris caused by depleted uranium shells, which were used by United States warplanes during the Bosnian and Kosovo conflicts. Field physician, Peter Eichenberger, told swissinfo that the risk to Swiss…

Swiss Politics

Kosovo uranium risks assessed in Switzerland

This content was published on Jan 4, 2001 Swiss military experts insist that the risks posed to members of the 150-strong Swiss contingent in the province are minimal. An army spokesman said tests carried out at its laboratory in Spiez last July showed an almost total absence of danger, unless people were in close proximity to depleted uranium debris for a long period…

Swiss Politics

Voters remain divided over EU memberships talks

This content was published on Jan 4, 2001 An opinion poll, carried by the GfS research institute, said that 50 per cent of those questioned are in favour of immediate membership talks. Forty-seven per cent are against, while three per cent are still undecided. As expected, a clear majority of voters in the French-speaking part of the country came out in favour of…

Swiss Politics

Overseas engagement to dominate Swiss political agenda in 2001

This content was published on Jan 3, 2001 A year after Swiss voters approved a series of bilateral treaties with the European Union, closer ties with 15-nation bloc continue to dominate the political agenda. In March, the electorate is to decide on a proposal to open immediate negotiations on full EU membership, but analysts expect voters to come out against it. According to…

Swiss Politics

Proposal to give foreigners born in Switzerland citizenship

This content was published on Jan 3, 2001 The Federal Foreigners Commission on Wednesday said it was important to adapt legislation to reality, as about 600,000 foreigners are eligible for citizenship. Most of them were born in Switzerland or went to school in the country. Members of the commission say they are aware that much work needs to be done to convince voters…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland helps Ethiopians to return home

This content was published on Jan 3, 2001 Around 1,000 Ethiopians arrived in Switzerland when the border war erupted and the Swiss programme aims to help them return and reintegrate into their homeland. The Federal Refugee office said that those Ethiopians who arrived in Switzerland before January 1998 could benefit from six months of training classes either in Switzerland or Ethiopia. The agency…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Defence ministry was aware Nato weapons contained depleted uranium

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Campaign launched for EU membership negotiations

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Geneva man embarks on a different Dakar rally

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Kurds protest in Bern at Turkish military campaign

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Doctors dismiss risks to Swiss exposed to radiation in Balkans

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Kosovo uranium risks assessed in Switzerland

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Voters remain divided over EU memberships talks

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Overseas engagement to dominate Swiss political agenda in 2001

More

Proposal to give foreigners born in Switzerland citizenship

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Switzerland helps Ethiopians to return home

Popular Stories

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