Swiss Abroad

Ministers agree to closer Swiss-Turkish ties

This content was published on Sep 11, 2008 The two countries signed an extension to their 2001 memorandum of understanding in Bern on Thursday stating they would hold future talks on the issues. Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey noted that the partnership had great potential. She also praised renewed dialogue efforts between Turkey and Armenia, damaged as a result of the mass killing…

Swiss Politics

Little luck for childless couples

This content was published on Sep 11, 2008 The justice ministry said on Thursday that 299 foreign children were adopted last year, compared with nearly twice that number only four years ago. Most of the children came from Ethiopia, Thailand, India, Colombia and Russia. Many countries have succeeded in keeping children with their biological parents or placing them with adoptive parents nationally, a…

Swiss Politics

Farmers to get help with liberalisation

This content was published on Sep 10, 2008 The cabinet said on Wednesday that it would release SFr400 million ($354 million) annually to finance “accompanying measures” if Switzerland and the European Union reach a free trade agreement on agricultural products. The measures will also be needed if the World Trade Organisation achieves a similar agreement. In either case, farmers stand to lose billions…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet approves disarmament report

This content was published on Sep 10, 2008 The report approved on Wednesday highlights the government’s diplomatic activities since 2004 to reduce the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to promote “human security”. A key objective is to “ensure national and international security at the lowest possible level of armaments” . The report also mentions Switzerland’s operational activities such as its support…

Swiss Politics

Swiss envoy warns of anti-American sentiment

This content was published on Sep 9, 2008 He told swissinfo after a Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce meeting in Lugano that there was a trend to simplify the realities of the United States. Ziswiler said he did not expect any great changes for Switzerland after the US presidential election, adding that despite a few minor problems with Washington, Switzerland enjoyed an “excellent” reputation…

Swiss Politics

Bern condemns executions of youths in Iran

This content was published on Sep 9, 2008 At a meeting on human rights, Bern also condemned corporal punishment, violations of the expression of opinion and the repression of Kurds and members of the Baha’i faith. The criticism was made during talks in the Swiss capital between the foreign ministry and an Iranian delegation led by the deputy foreign minister, Sayed Mohammed-Ali Hosseini.…

Swiss Politics

Speaking the language of elderly migrants

This content was published on Sep 8, 2008 The “National Forum Ageing and Migration” said older migrants suffer from more health problems than the average Swiss pensioner, are often socially disadvantaged and live below the poverty line. Foreigners account for one in five of Switzerland’s population, but according to the Federal Statistics Office, the country’s migrant workforce covers 25 per cent of the…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland raises its human rights presence

This content was published on Sep 8, 2008 For the first time the Swiss delegation is being headed by a specially appointed representative rather than the head of the Swiss mission to the UN in Geneva, as has been the case up to now. Also new is the UN high commissioner for human rights, the South African Navanethem Pillay, who replaced Louise Arbour…

Swiss Politics

New English version of constitution published

This content was published on Sep 8, 2008 It was made available to meet a growing demand for details of legislation to be accessible in English, the Federal Chancellery said on Monday. The translation was submitted to external experts and the justice ministry for review before publication and is part of an ongoing project to make selected Swiss legislation available to the public…

Swiss Politics

Woman diplomat to head Swiss embassy in Iran

This content was published on Sep 7, 2008 The appointment of Livia Leu Agosti comes amid controversy over a visit to Tehran by Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey earlier this year. The designated ambassador says she considers her appointment as a sign that women can play an important role in a world dominated by men. Leu said she would wear a headscarf for her…

Swiss Abroad

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Swiss Abroad

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Ministers agree to closer Swiss-Turkish ties

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Little luck for childless couples

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Farmers to get help with liberalisation

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Cabinet approves disarmament report

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Swiss envoy warns of anti-American sentiment

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Bern condemns executions of youths in Iran

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Speaking the language of elderly migrants

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Switzerland raises its human rights presence

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New English version of constitution published

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Woman diplomat to head Swiss embassy in Iran

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