Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Parliament paves the way for army reforms

This content was published on Jun 11, 2002 Parliament decided in principle to reduce the number of soldiers by two thirds to 120,000 and to make the armed forces more professional without giving up the traditional system of a conscript army. The House of Representatives on Tuesday followed the Senate in agreeing the main outlines of the reforms, including a drastic cut in…

Swiss Politics

Swiss hold out hope for earth summit

This content was published on Jun 8, 2002 However, Swiss delegates attending the conference on the island of Bali say they are still confident that an agreement will be reached at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. Serge Chappatte, deputy director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and head of the Swiss delegation, said he hoped the international…

Swiss Politics

Politics risks becoming preserve of elite

This content was published on Jun 7, 2002 The Senate decision has prompted warnings that would-be parliamentarians without cash to spare will find it increasingly difficult to go into politics because MPs have to foot the bill personally if they want to employ a personal secretary or adviser. Critics of the system argue that the need for support is crucial because members of…

Swiss Politics

Bern politicians back Olympic bid

This content was published on Jun 5, 2002 The vote helps to clear an important domestic hurdle for the Bern bidders although the parliamentary decision must still go to a popular ballot in the autumn. People living in the city of Bern will also get the chance to vote on a separate SFr4 million credit previously approved by the city parliament. The cantonal…

Swiss Politics

Surveying the damage

This content was published on Jun 5, 2002 The seismic metaphor found its way into many of the national newspapers on Wednesday, as the country’s media expressed their opinion on the expulsion of Lugano, Lausanne and Sion from the Swiss A league. Lausanne’s 24 Heures sees bitter irony in the fact that the city’s top team is now likely to be replaced in…

Deiss calls for global cooperation at earth summit

This content was published on Jun 5, 2002 Speaking on Wednesday at a preparatory conference in Bali, Indonesia, Deiss called on delegates gathered from over 110 countries to work together to create a “world of peace”. “It is only through sustainable development that we will be able to create a world of peace and stability where human rights are respected,” Deiss said. Deiss…

Swiss Politics

League calls time on cash-strapped clubs

This content was published on Jun 4, 2002 Lausanne, Sion and Lugano were all refused licences to play in the top division after failing to win support from the league’s appeal commission. All three clubs will now have to tackle their financial problems while playing in the less lucrative national B league. “It’s not a decision that I am proud of,” national league…

Swiss Politics

Deiss finds common ground in Japan

This content was published on Jun 3, 2002 Deiss met the Japanese prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi, in Tokyo on Monday. The two men discussed issues such as humanitarian and development aid – notably in Afghanistan – as well the fight against terrorism and improving economic relations between the two countries. “I think that we are on the same line as Japan on many…

Swiss Politics

Geneva and Vaud set to remain apart

This content was published on Jun 2, 2002 While the number of people backing the idea of a Lake Geneva super-canton is growing, the chances of a merger are slim. Analysts say a yes vote of more than 20 per cent would be considered a success. The arguments for a marriage are persuasive: a powerhouse French-speaking region that could counterbalance the weight of…

Swiss Politics

Swiss outline UN priorities

This content was published on May 29, 2002 The government is accelerating preparations for membership ahead of September 10, when it is expected to address the UN General Assembly for the first time as a member. Swiss voters approved joining the world body last March. The cabinet said on Wednesday that it would focus Switzerland’s resources within the UN on three areas –…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Parliament paves the way for army reforms

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Swiss hold out hope for earth summit

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Politics risks becoming preserve of elite

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Bern politicians back Olympic bid

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Surveying the damage

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Deiss calls for global cooperation at earth summit

More

League calls time on cash-strapped clubs

More

Deiss finds common ground in Japan

More

Geneva and Vaud set to remain apart

More

Swiss outline UN priorities

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Most Discussed