Swiss Abroad

Tunisia elections seen as bridge to democracy

This content was published on Oct 17, 2011 Observers believe that these watershed elections to the National Constituent Assembly will mark the birth of a new Tunisia after the ouster of the regime of former President Ben Ali on January 14. In the election constituency which covers Switzerland, the Americas and the rest of Europe (except for France, Germany and Italy), rivalry is…

Swiss Politics

Swiss embassy re-opens in Tripoli

This content was published on Oct 16, 2011 The Swiss government appointed Michel Gottret ambassador to the new Libyan government last month, saying he would take up his duties in Tripoli “as soon as possible”. Security for the embassy staff, which includes two diplomats and a humanitarian team, is being provided by the British company Aegis under a three-month contract. Gottret, who was…

Swiss Politics

Taliban seek $3 million for Swiss hostages

This content was published on Oct 16, 2011 The Taliban group is also calling for the release of 100 of its fighters behind bars in Pakistan, the report said, citing local sources in Islamabad. The newspaper said the new demands gave grounds for hope because the group had previously called for the liberation of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani scientist sentenced to 86 years…

Swiss Politics

Swiss democracy goes under the microscope

This content was published on Oct 16, 2011 swissinfo.ch spoke to United States diplomat Peter Eicher, in charge of the observer team which will be paying special attention to e-voting as well as considering whether more transparency is needed concerning campaign financing. On October 23, some Swiss abroad and citizens in four cantons will be able to vote via internet for the first…

Swiss Politics

Swiss Indignados take to streets

This content was published on Oct 15, 2011 Peaceful Wall Street-style protests were also held in Geneva, Basel and Bern, as well as in hundreds of cities around the world as part of a day of action protesting against capitalism and austerity measures. “I’m here as I want to tell the banks and those in power that things have to change,” said Angelo…

Swiss Politics

Election spending under OSCE spotlight

This content was published on Oct 15, 2011 In an interview with Le Temps newspaper, Peter Eicher, in Switzerland since Monday, said international standards demanded transparency. “Swiss citizens would no doubt be interested in knowing where this money comes from. After transparency comes the question of regulating campaign financing. How much can a party spend? How much can a party receive?” Eicher said these…

Swiss Politics

Divisive financial penalties set to be scrapped

This content was published on Oct 14, 2011 The controversial sanction was introduced less than five years ago and has been criticised by the cantonal authorities and the courts. The use of electronic bracelets to allow some sentences to be carried out in the community is also under review. The justice ministry has been mandated to finalise its proposals by next March for…

Swiss Politics

Swiss step up asylum seeker repatriation

This content was published on Oct 14, 2011 Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga and Guinean Foreign Minister Edouard Gnakoye Lama signed the accord, one of the few struck with an African country. The government said it was a “new type” of accord, one that was more collaborative and took a wider perspective on migration, including aide for repatriation and collaboration in combating human trafficking…

Swiss Politics

Wooing voters with words, passion and a smile

This content was published on Oct 14, 2011 Men in white overalls emptying styrofoam boxes into an oval tub-like Donald Judd fountain are certainly an unusual sight. As plastic shopping baskets are lowered into the water steam begins to rise momentarily, covering the scene in Winterthur’s old town. It’s a sunny late summer day, on the eve of a decision by parliament in…

Swiss Politics

Gay rights activist calls for end to hate

This content was published on Oct 14, 2011 In an interview with swissinfo.ch, she talks about prejudice, fears and her motivations. The Ugandan woman received the global human rights award in Geneva on Thursday. The prize is granted annually by the Geneva-based Martin Ennals Foundation. Under Uganda’s legal system, homosexuality is a criminal offence that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.…

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Swiss Abroad

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Tunisia elections seen as bridge to democracy

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Swiss embassy re-opens in Tripoli

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Taliban seek $3 million for Swiss hostages

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Swiss democracy goes under the microscope

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Swiss Indignados take to streets

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Election spending under OSCE spotlight

More

Divisive financial penalties set to be scrapped

More

Swiss step up asylum seeker repatriation

More

Wooing voters with words, passion and a smile

More

Gay rights activist calls for end to hate

Popular Stories

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