Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Arab countries lambast Swiss over Red Cross emblem summit

This content was published on Sep 28, 2000 Israel has been kept out for the last 50 years because the movement does not recognise its symbol, a red Star of David. For its part, Israel refuses to use the existing symbols: the red cross or red crescent. Under pressure from the United States, efforts have been made this year to find a solution…

Swiss Politics

German foreign minister hopes for solution in Zurich-Kloten dispute

This content was published on Sep 27, 2000 Fischer, speaking in Berne on Wednesday after a meeting with Swiss foreign minister Deiss, feels that the issue must be dealt in with in a pragmatic way. He said, “Switzerland’s economic standing, Kloten airport’s role as an international hub and the interests of people living nearby must all be taken into account. The good relationship…

Swiss Politics

German foreign minister visits Berne

This content was published on Sep 27, 2000 Fischer will initially meet his Swiss counterpart, Joseph Deiss, and subsequently hold talks with the president, Adolf Ogi. Discussions are to focus on a range of foreign policy issues. The post-vote situation in Yugoslavia, and international efforts to bring stability to the Balkans are the key items on the agenda. Another matter for discussion is…

Swiss Politics

Parliament votes to arm Swiss troops on peacekeeping missions

This content was published on Sep 26, 2000 The House of Representatives on Tuesday joined the Senate in approving the measure. During the debate, the defence minister, Adolf Ogi, reiterated that Switzerland had to increase its military involvement to remain credible for the international community. But he pledged that any such move would not infringe Swiss neutrality and every deployment would be decided…

Swiss Politics

Parliamentarians vote themselves a pay rise

This content was published on Sep 26, 2000 After a 10-year freeze on their salaries, members will receive a daily allowance of SFr400 – an increase of SFr100 – when they attend sessions of parliament. There will also be increases for other people involved in the parliamentary process. The secretariats of the parliamentary parties will receive a large rise, and the annual allowances…

Swiss Politics

Swiss reject proposal to cut size of foreign population

This content was published on Sep 24, 2000 The move to curb the number of foreigners was voted down by 63 per cent, with 36 per cent in favour. The justice minister, Ruth Metzler – speaking for the government – welcomed the result, and said it was a signal to the international community that Switzerland was willing to adhere to its commitments. Metzler…

Swiss Politics

Voters reject change to referendum system

This content was published on Sep 24, 2000 The vote against the initiative was by a 2-1 margin. The Swiss currently have the option of either rejecting or accepting the text of a referendum in full. The initiative on a “constructive referendum”, launched by centre-left parties in 1995, would have allowed the electorate the option of approving or turning down parts of a…

Swiss Politics

Neuchatel gives foreigners a cantonal vote

This content was published on Sep 24, 2000 More than three-quarters (76.6 per cent) of the people who voted in Sunday’s ballot said they were in favour of changing the consitution to broaden the electorate. Jura is the only other canton to give foreigners such voting rights. A total of 21,000 foreigners who have lived in canton Neuchatel for a minimum of five…

Swiss Politics

Swiss set to decide whether to reduce number of foreigners

This content was published on Sep 23, 2000 Latest opinion polls indicate the move will be defeated. The most recent poll suggested 50 per cent of the electorate will vote against, with 29 per cent in favour. The government, big business and the main political parties came out against the measure – the only exception being the right-wing People’s Party, which is divided…

Swiss Politics

Week in Switzerland

This content was published on Sep 23, 2000 Switzerland got off to an exceptional start at the Olympics in Sydney, collecting a gold and a bronze on the opening day. Further medals followed during the first week of competition. Outstanding results came particularly from Swiss women fencers and triathlon athletes who won a handful of medals. On the political stage, Switzerland prepared for…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Popular Stories

Most Discussed