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Swiss scientists win equal rights in EU

This content was published on Aug 2, 2003 From January 1, 2004, Swiss scientists will be able to take part in more projects and get more funding from Brussels. The Swiss have been taking part in the EU’s research programmes for the past 15 years, but there have been restrictions in the range and number of projects in which they were allowed to…

Fireworks maker does rain dance for National Day

This content was published on Aug 1, 2003 Pyrotechnics on Swiss National Day are big business, but dry weather forced authorities in many areas to impose a ban – much to the dismay of manufacturers. But when swissinfo visited the Hans Hamberger Fireworks Factory a steady rain had brought a smile to the face of the company director, Kurt Abegglen. “We’re hoping for…

ABB gets final approval for asbestos deal

This content was published on Aug 1, 2003 The approval from a United States district court could pave the way for ABB’s sale of its oil, gas and petrochemicals unit and help the company reduce its mountain of debt. “The decision confirms that the settlement reached between ABB and the claimants was fair,” ABB said in a statement. Following the news, ABB’s share…

Solar cells give ray of hope to Swiss scientists

This content was published on Jul 31, 2003 The so-called nanocristalline solar cells have been shown to be much cheaper and just as effective as the silicon cells which have been used to make solar energy until now. Thanks to new technology, the cost of making the nanocristalline cells could tumble by as much as 80 per cent. Professor Michael Grätzel and his…

Martin Ebner’s BZ Group is back in business

This content was published on Jul 31, 2003 In a terse three-sentence statement from its headquarters in Wilen in canton Schwyz, the group reported that it would continue its activities as a holding company. Spokesman Ralph Stadler told swissinfo on Thursday that the group now owed its creditor banks nothing. “Some of the creditor banks have made significant profit from the shareholding out…

South Africa urges dismissal of apartheid case

This content was published on Jul 31, 2003 In a letter filed with the US District Court in New York, the justice ministry argued that the multi-billion dollar claims could hurt the South African economy. The lawsuits, filed on behalf of thousands of black South Africans, accuse more than 120 local and foreign firms of profiting from the apartheid system, which was abandoned…

Fireworks banned as dry weather continues

This content was published on Jul 30, 2003 French-speaking regions are most affected by the ban which has been imposed because of a lack of rainfall this summer. Grand firework displays lie at the heart of the National Day festivities which also include farm brunches and the traditional gathering at the Rütli meadow in canton Uri – considered the cradle of the Swiss…

Syngenta reports healthy first-half progress

This content was published on Jul 30, 2003 But the Basel-based company warned that hot weather across Europe had stalled a farm market recovery. The world’s largest maker of crop chemicals said in a statement on Wednesday that the profit had been supported by cost-cutting measures. It forecast a “significant growth” in earnings per share for the year as a whole. “Syngenta has…

A dream come true

This content was published on Jul 29, 2003 Her skills have helped her make a name for herself in Europe, as she told swissinfo’s Mathias Froidevaux. Petignat is something of a footballing pioneer, having proven herself good enough to referee the final of the women’s World Cup and to oversee the best games in Swiss football. But now, she is facing an even…

ABB announces $55 million second-quarter loss

This content was published on Jul 29, 2003 ABB’s sales rose 12 per cent to $5.06 billion. However, debt increased from $8.1 billion three months ago to $8.3 billion. Jürgen Dormann, ABB’s chairman and chief executive, blamed the loss on costs linked to his strategy of selling off assets in an effort to settle debt. He said a strong performance by the group’s…

Internal: Archive

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Swiss scientists win equal rights in EU

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Fireworks maker does rain dance for National Day

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ABB gets final approval for asbestos deal

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Solar cells give ray of hope to Swiss scientists

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Martin Ebner’s BZ Group is back in business

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South Africa urges dismissal of apartheid case

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Fireworks banned as dry weather continues

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Syngenta reports healthy first-half progress

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A dream come true

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ABB announces $55 million second-quarter loss

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