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ICRC calls for united tsunami relief effort

This content was published on Jan 6, 2005 World leaders and aid workers met in Jakarta on Thursday to discuss how to deal with the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in decades. Summit participants welcomed the idea of debt relief for countries hit by the disaster, and supported the creation of a tsunami early warning system. The Swiss-run ICRC hoped that the…

Swiss unite in grief for tsunami victims

This content was published on Jan 5, 2005 His appeal at a memorial service in Bern on Wednesday came as donations for the tragedy reached record levels. Speaking at the multi-faith service in Bern’s cathedral, Schmid said the Swiss people shared the grief of all those who had lost loved ones. He offered his condolences to the families of the missing and the…

Switzerland remembers tsunami dead

This content was published on Jan 5, 2005 Flags hung at half-mast and church bells rang in memory of the hundreds of thousands of people swept to their deaths by the tidal waves. So far 23 Swiss have been confirmed dead and 500 are still unaccounted for. On Tuesday, President Samuel Schmid told the nation that the final death toll would run to…

Uncorking the secrets of Geneva’s countryside

This content was published on Jan 5, 2005 Published in English, “Touring Geneva Wine Country” offers a unique taste of the region’s picturesque landscape and flourishing vineyards. “Geneva is not really perceived as a place that’s culturally very interesting,” said the guide’s American-Swiss author, Gail Mangold-Vine. “But when you get out there and take a closer look, there is so much to do…

Unions unveil 2005 battle plan

This content was published on Jan 5, 2005 The Swiss Federation of Trade Unions also said it would be opposing moves to extend Sunday trading and liberalise the electricity market. Speaking at a news conference in Bern, federation president Paul Rechsteiner said unions would be asking voters to support plans for a flexible retirement age. Delegates approved a proposal at a meeting in…

Firms pledge aid to quake victims

This content was published on Jan 5, 2005 Among the biggest spenders to date are the country’s largest bank UBS, the cement producer Holcim, the Swatch Group, Zurich Financial Services and the pharmaceuticals company Novartis. UBS is to donate SFr3.44 million, Holcim SFr3 million, Swatch SFr2.5 million, with Zurich and Novartis each chipping in SFr2.29 million. The most generous according to the amount…

“It’s like a nuclear bomb has gone off”

This content was published on Jan 5, 2005 Andreas Graf was speaking to swissinfo as Switzerland stepped up its relief effort in the province of Aceh on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. Aceh lies close to the epicentre of the December 26 quake, which measured 9.0 on the Richter scale. About 100,000 people are confirmed dead in northern Indonesia, while…

Farmers face up to future challenges

This content was published on Jan 4, 2005 The farmers’ union revealed at a press conference on Tuesday that it had devised several proposals to help its members prepare for the future. The union’s president, Hansjörg Walter, said that last year had been “economically satisfying” due to a good harvest. In all, farming revenue had risen by three per cent but this could…

Swiss consider debt freeze for Asian nations

This content was published on Jan 4, 2005 One nation that could benefit is Indonesia, which owes Bern more than SFr440 million ($380.7 million). Discussions are set to take place with other creditor nations, including Britain, Germany and Italy, under the aegis of the Paris Club on January 12. Representing Switzerland at the talks will be the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco)…

Watch sector ticks along nicely

This content was published on Jan 4, 2005 As the industry looks back on a bumper year, swissinfo talks to Jean-Daniel Pasche, president of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, about what Swiss watchmakers are doing right – and what they still need to do better. Watch exports hit a record high in November and export sales revenue, which accounts for some…

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ICRC calls for united tsunami relief effort

More

Swiss unite in grief for tsunami victims

More

Switzerland remembers tsunami dead

More

Uncorking the secrets of Geneva’s countryside

More

Unions unveil 2005 battle plan

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Firms pledge aid to quake victims

More

“It’s like a nuclear bomb has gone off”

More

Farmers face up to future challenges

More

Swiss consider debt freeze for Asian nations

More

Watch sector ticks along nicely

Popular Stories

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