Swiss Abroad

New video of Swiss hostages surfaces

This content was published on Dec 27, 2011 According to a photographer who has seen the footage, the video dates from several weeks ago. In it the two hostages appeal to authorities in Bern and Islamabad to double their efforts to free them. The Swiss News Agency reported on Tuesday that the foreign ministry had confirmed having seen still photographs of the hostages…

Swiss Politics

Minister moots review of asylum emergency plans

This content was published on Dec 27, 2011 She says it had been a mistake to reduce the capacity for asylum seeker housing over the past few years as part of spending cuts. In an interview with the Berner Zeitung, Sommaruga said the federal authorities now lacked the necessary reserve accommodation. She said that presently the cantonal authorities provided enough homes to cover…

Swiss Politics

US “could learn a lot” from Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 25, 2011 Wally Herger has been a Republican Party member of Congress since 1987, representing a rural district in northern California. The grandson of Swiss emigrants from canton Uri, he co-chairs the Friends of Switzerland Caucus in the House of Representatives. In a year-end interview with swissinfo.ch he says the huge US deficit grew under both Republic…

Swiss Politics

Havel’s moral authority “is a thing of the past”

This content was published on Dec 23, 2011 Author Helena Kanyar-Becker, who came to Switzerland in 1969 after the repression of the Prague Spring, is among those who admired Havel. But she says his moral authority had begun to diminish during his years as president. Havel, who played a key role in the democracy movement in communist Czechoslovakia, was elected president at the…

Swiss Politics

Swiss products only at embassy receptions

This content was published on Dec 23, 2011 The House of Representatives on Friday followed the Senate in approving a formal call to promote produce from the home country. The decision will also apply to marketing events abroad, notably hosted by Presence Switzerland and Switzerland Tourism. The motion was launched by a parliamentarian from canton Valais – a traditional wine-growing region. Switzerland offered…

Swiss Politics

Government freezes Assad’s assets

This content was published on Dec 23, 2011 Money belonging to 12 companies and 54 individuals has been targeted, the spokeswoman of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) said. In addition to the Syrian president, top military commander Mahir Assad and Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim al-Sha’ar were also on the list. Switzerland in May expanded its sanctions against Syria to …

Swiss Politics

180 names added to Iran sanctions list

This content was published on Dec 22, 2011 The measures, which include freezing of assets, will come into effect on Friday, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs said in a statement on Thursday. Several of the entities hit by the new sanctions are involved in the maritime sector. In total, 280 companies and 70 people are now subject to Swiss sanctions against Iran.…

Swiss Politics

Swiss soldiers to guard Tripoli embassy

This content was published on Dec 22, 2011 The Swiss Embassy in Tripoli was reopened in October, just a few days before Libya’s former leader Moammar Gaddafi was killed by rebel forces. When opened, a private security company was contracted to provide security for the embassy. The contract expires in January. “It was necessary to open the embassy as rapidly as possible in…

Swiss Politics

Single VAT rate fails to win parliament backing

This content was published on Dec 21, 2011 The House of Representatives on Wednesday confirmed its rejection of the proposal which was launched in 2008. Opponents argued the plan was unrealistic and would lead to extra costs for health and education. Supporters said a unified rate would create more transparency and reduce the administrative burden. Switzerland currently has a VAT rate of eight…

Swiss Politics

Cluster bomb ban set for approval by parliament

This content was published on Dec 21, 2011 A majority on Wednesday voted against a recommendation by a house committee in October to reject the proposal. The bill now goes back to the committee for further discussion. Rightwing and centre-right opponents of the ban argued it would weaken Switzerland’s defence capacity, while supporters pointed out refusal to agree the convention would harm Switzerland’s…

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Swiss Abroad

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New video of Swiss hostages surfaces

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Minister moots review of asylum emergency plans

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US “could learn a lot” from Switzerland

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Havel’s moral authority “is a thing of the past”

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Swiss products only at embassy receptions

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Government freezes Assad’s assets

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180 names added to Iran sanctions list

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Swiss soldiers to guard Tripoli embassy

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Single VAT rate fails to win parliament backing

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Cluster bomb ban set for approval by parliament

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