Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Swiss offer to help Ukrainian crash victims

This content was published on Jul 28, 2002 Ukraine welcomed the offer of assistance, but said there was no need at present to take up Switzerland’s offer of hospital places for many of the badly burnt victims of the disaster. The Swiss president, Kaspar Villiger, has also sent the Ukrainian president, Leonid Kuchma, a letter expressing his and the Swiss people’s “deep sympathy”…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland approved as UN member by Security Council

This content was published on Jul 25, 2002 Wednesday’s decision paves the way for the General Assembly to complete the process and vote on the issue on September 10. Switzerland formally applied for membership last week following a nationwide vote in March in favour of joining the world body. “I wish to extend my congratulations to the Swiss Confederation on this historic occasion,”…

Swiss Politics

Swiss seek to deter African asylum seekers

This content was published on Jul 24, 2002 In the past six months, the number of African asylum seekers has increased by 1,400 to reach 16,500. However, Bern has no repatriation agreements with African nations which in many cases either cannot or do not want to take back their citizens. One reason why cooperation with African states is problematic is because registers destroyed…

Swiss Politics

Intense diplomatic ballet in Geneva

This content was published on Jul 21, 2002 The Middle East crisis seems to be the focus of talks underway in the Geneva area. The Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak made a 24-hour visit, meeting two Gulf heads of state holidaying in the region on Friday. Mubarak spoke first with the Emirati president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan near Annemasse, just over the…

Swiss Politics

Africans blocked from attending Geneva forum

This content was published on Jul 19, 2002 The Swiss authorities were apparently concerned that some of the participants would try to remain in Switzerland illegally after the World Civil Society Forum. “Last week, we were receiving calls for help every two minutes. Delegates were stranded on the tarmac, clutching their air tickets,” says Sébastien Ziegler, the organiser of the forum. He believes…

Swiss Politics

Swiss-backed ceasefire keeps peace in Sudan

This content was published on Jul 19, 2002 The discussions between Danforth and Joseph Bucher, the former Swiss ambassador to Kenya and now Bern-based special envoy for conflict issues, focused on the hopes that an ongoing peace process in Sudan would continue. This is something Danforth said remained the primary concern of the US policy towards the Sudan. “The US is looking for…

Swiss Politics

Swiss make formal bid for UN membership

This content was published on Jul 18, 2002 After receiving the formal request for membership, Annan described Switzerland’s decision to join the UN as a “wonderful and wise decision”. His comments came after a closed door meeting in New York with Swiss ambassador to the UN, Jenö Staehelin, where the application was handed over. The application is little more than a formality, and…

Swiss Politics

Parliamentarians brave Britain’s political bear pit

This content was published on Jul 14, 2002 During their trip, the Swiss politicians were given a tour of Westminster and the House of Commons, with the highlight being a ringside seat during Prime Minister’s Question Time. “It was so fascinating to see how the House of Commons functions,” parliamentarian Kathy Riklin told swissinfo. “There is such a lively atmosphere during debates. The…

Swiss Politics

Government wants to improve health of immigrants

This content was published on Jul 14, 2002 The four-year programme, which will cost SFr26 million ($17.2 million), includes education of medical staff treating immigrant patients, as well as prevention projects and information campaigns. Part of the funds is also destined for special therapies, counselling services and research. The Federal Health Office said the programme aimed to boost integration and was in line…

Swiss Politics

Geneva forum aims to boost role of civil society

This content was published on Jul 14, 2002 The World Civil Society Forum runs until July 19, and has the backing of the Swiss government, the Geneva authorities, and several UN agencies. Up to 1,500 delegates – three-quarters of them from the developing world – have descended on Geneva’s International Conference Centre. As well as serious discussions on topics like the environment, health,…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Swiss offer to help Ukrainian crash victims

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Switzerland approved as UN member by Security Council

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Swiss seek to deter African asylum seekers

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Intense diplomatic ballet in Geneva

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Africans blocked from attending Geneva forum

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Swiss-backed ceasefire keeps peace in Sudan

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Swiss make formal bid for UN membership

More

Parliamentarians brave Britain’s political bear pit

More

Government wants to improve health of immigrants

More

Geneva forum aims to boost role of civil society

Popular Stories

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