Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Amnesty lambasts Swiss police

This content was published on Apr 6, 2000 Switzerland has come in for harsh criticism from Amnesty International for “dangerous methods of restraint” used during forcible deportations of illegal immigrants from Zurich-Kloten airport. In one case, three police officers and a doctor are under investigation in connection with the death by suffocation of a Palestinian deportee one year ago. In a report entitled…

Swiss Politics

Ogi concludes visit to Britain

This content was published on Apr 4, 2000 The Swiss president, Adolf Ogi (pictured right), has concluded a two-day trip to Britain during which Switzerland’s security policy took centre-stage. Before flying back to Berne from London on Tuesday evening, Ogi said the trip had been a success, and that he was pleased with the warm welcome bestowed on him. Ogi’s trip included talks…

Swiss Politics

Britain salutes Swiss defence on Ogi visit

This content was published on Apr 3, 2000 Britain has lavished praise on Switzerland’s security policy during a two-day visit to London by the Swiss president and defence minister, Adolf Ogi (pictured left). The British defence minister, Geoff Hoon (right), singled out Switzerland’s contribution to peacekeeping in Kosovo, Swisscoy, and the helicopter “Operation Alba” in Albania. Ogi and Hoon focused talks on security…

Swiss Politics

Populist right-winger launches attack on Socialism

This content was published on Apr 3, 2000 One of Switzerland’s best-known politicians, the right-wing populist, Christoph Blocher (pictured), has published a wide-ranging attack on socialism in Swiss politics. The 24-page document argues that socialism has the same roots as fascism and national socialism. In the text, Blocher says these ideologies share the same goal of giving unlimited power to the state. The…

Swiss Politics

Red Cross questions Kosovar repatriation plan

This content was published on Apr 3, 2000 The Swiss Red Cross has criticised the government’s plan to begin the forcible repatriation of 30,000 Kosovar refugees at the end of next month. It says they are ill-prepared to face the dangers of unexploded landmines. The Red Cross indicated that Switzerland should extend its deadline due to the continued threats to the returnees’ safety.…

Swiss Politics

Row breaks out over weapons procurement

This content was published on Apr 2, 2000 A row has reportedly broken out between the Swiss president, Adolf Ogi, and the economics minister, Pascal Couchepin, over weapons procurement. Couchepin is said to be strongly opposed to government plans to buy nearly SFr1 billion worth of armoured personnel carriers for the Swiss army. Exactly when this row started is difficult to determine. Last…

Swiss Politics

The week ahead in Switzerland

This content was published on Apr 2, 2000 A visit to Britain by the Swiss president, Adolf Ogi, a nail biting election in canton Thurgau, and the unveiling of a holiday scheme for landmine victims, are some of the events likely to hit the headlines in Switzerland this week. On Tuesday, the Swiss president will travel to Britain for talks with the culture…

Swiss Politics

Blocher accused of using “Stalinist” arguments

This content was published on Apr 2, 2000 The president of Switzerland’s Radical Party, Franz Steinegger (file picture), has accused the right-wing parliamentarian, Christoph Blocher, of using the same arguments as Stalin in his attacks on his political opponents, in an interview with a Sunday newspaper. Recently out of hospital for heart treatment, Franz Steinegger jumped straight back into the political fray by…

Swiss Politics

Justice minister rules out hasty reform of citizenship laws

This content was published on Apr 1, 2000 The Swiss justice minister, Ruth Metzler, has ruled out any knee-jerk reaction to recent controversy over Switzerland’s naturalisation laws. Her comments come as a government-appointed committee considers whether there should be a right of appeal for people whose citizenship applications are turned down. Ruth Metzler made it clear that the government intends to proceed slowly…

Swiss Politics

Campaigners take fresh approach in fight for foreigners’ rights

This content was published on Apr 1, 2000 Two Swiss human rights groups have formed a new movement to take up the cudgels on behalf of asylum seekers and migrants. The news comes against a backdrop of increasing concern about the rights and treatment of foreigners living in Switzerland. The new organisation, called “Solidarité sans frontières”, was formed from the merger of Asylum…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Amnesty lambasts Swiss police

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Ogi concludes visit to Britain

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Britain salutes Swiss defence on Ogi visit

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Populist right-winger launches attack on Socialism

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Red Cross questions Kosovar repatriation plan

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Row breaks out over weapons procurement

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The week ahead in Switzerland

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Blocher accused of using “Stalinist” arguments

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Justice minister rules out hasty reform of citizenship laws

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Campaigners take fresh approach in fight for foreigners’ rights

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