Swiss Abroad

Leuthard calls for “balanced” Doha outcome

This content was published on Nov 30, 2009 She made the remark at the start of a World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial conference in Geneva. While not formally on the agenda, the Doha Round, which is limping into its ninth year, looms large over the gathering. Leuthard told journalists on Monday that Switzerland was committed to the Doha Round, which “could be concluded…

Swiss Politics

First impact of minaret ban felt

This content was published on Nov 30, 2009 Hisham Maizar, chairman of the umbrella organisation of the Muslim community of eastern Switzerland and Liechtenstein, told German-language radio on Monday that the town’s Islamic association had taken the decision of the Swiss people into account. The association would not pursue the matter in the courts, he said. The announcement of the project in 2006…

Swiss Politics

Visa-free travel granted to some ex-Yugoslavs

This content was published on Nov 30, 2009 EU ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday decided to do away with visas for a maximum of 90 days within a six month period, as long as travellers also have biometric passports. The decision also applies to the three non-EU countries – Switzerland, Norway and Iceland – which are part of the Schengen area, a…

Swiss Politics

Calmy-Rey tries to allay fears over minaret ban

This content was published on Nov 30, 2009 The foreign minister, who said she was “shocked” and “disappointed”, pledged Switzerland would intensify its dialogue with the Muslim community in Switzerland. Embassies in Muslim countries had also been instructed to try to explain the vote. “This initiative is not the expression of the rejection of the Muslim community, which is well integrated in Switzerland…

Swiss Politics

Minaret ban approved, projections show

This content was published on Nov 29, 2009 The gfs.bern polling institute said an estimated 58 per cent of voters had backed the initiative. A majority of cantons were also in support of a minaret ban. Turnout was high at around 55 per cent. The result, if confirmed, comes as a major surprise and a slap in the face of the government. Opinion…

Swiss Politics

Voting trends point to “yes” to minaret ban

This content was published on Nov 29, 2009 gfs.bern estimated that more than 55 per cent of voters had backed the initiative – a result which had not been expected. Opinion polls before the vote had predicted the ban would not be approved. The proposal was championed by rightwing and ultra-conservative groups. The government and most political parties as well as churches and…

Swiss Politics

Polls close in controversial minaret vote

This content was published on Nov 29, 2009 The ballot puts the Swiss policy on religious minorities and integration of immigrants under the spotlight. The proposal was championed by rightwing and ultra-conservative groups. The government and most political parties as well as churches and the business community came out strongly against it. “The initiative is a kind of ‘proxy war’. Its supporters say…

Swiss Politics

Divisive minaret ban faces voters’ verdict

This content was published on Nov 28, 2009 The ballot puts the Swiss policy on religious minorities and integration of immigrants under the spotlight. But the highly divisive plan has limited chances of winning a majority, according to experts. The government and most political parties as well as churches and the business community have come out strongly against a proposed ban. “The initiative…

Swiss Politics

Libya barred from prestigious Davos meeting

This content was published on Nov 28, 2009 No guests from Libya have been invited and will be invited to the annual conference of politicians and business leaders in Davos at the end of January, according to a senior Wef official. “There won’t be any participants from Libya as long as bilateral relations between Switzerland and Libya have not normalized,” Kai Bucher said.…

Swiss Politics

Breaking a taboo

This content was published on Nov 27, 2009

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Leuthard calls for “balanced” Doha outcome

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First impact of minaret ban felt

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Visa-free travel granted to some ex-Yugoslavs

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Calmy-Rey tries to allay fears over minaret ban

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Minaret ban approved, projections show

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Voting trends point to “yes” to minaret ban

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Polls close in controversial minaret vote

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Divisive minaret ban faces voters’ verdict

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Libya barred from prestigious Davos meeting

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Breaking a taboo

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