Swiss Abroad

Conference ends with ringing endorsement of federalism

This content was published on Aug 30, 2002 The delegates were largely preaching to the converted so the four-day meeting ended with an affirmation of the virtues of the federal system. Canadian Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien, Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes and Swiss Justice Minister Ruth Metzler were among the 500 guests who endorsed the virtues of the system. In her address at…

Swiss Politics

Swiss put brave face on prospects for faltering summit

This content was published on Aug 28, 2002 Chief Swiss negotiator, Serge Chappatte, said Switzerland had significantly lowered its expectations ahead of next week’s ministerial negotiations. He told swissinfo that he still anticipated a global action plan of the “lowest common denominator”, which means without binding obligations and little in the way of timetabled international commitments to tackle poverty and safeguard the environment.…

Swiss Politics

Swiss president extols virtues of federalism

This content was published on Aug 27, 2002 Villiger told the 500 delegates from some 60 countries assembled in the Swiss city of St Gallen that federalism should serve as model for Europe and the rest of the world. The system which allows ethnic and cultural groups a meaningful place in the political process has played a key role in making Switzerland what…

Swiss Politics

Leaders convene to debate future of federalism

This content was published on Aug 27, 2002 Some 500 politicians, technocrats and business people are discussing how federal systems should respond to new problems and challenges. The event is a joint project between the Swiss Confederation and the Swiss cantonal governments, who consider Switzerland – one of the oldest federal states in the world – an ideal place for an international forum…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland hosts federalism conference

This content was published on Aug 26, 2002 Some 500 politicians, technocrats and business people are discussing how federal systems can best serve multicultural societies. The event is a joint project between the Swiss Confederation and the Swiss cantonal governments, who consider Switzerland – one of the oldest federal states in the world – an ideal place for an international forum on the…

Swiss Politics

Roman titans clash near Basel

This content was published on Aug 26, 2002 Thousands turned out to watch bare-foot fighters dressed in traditional gladiator gear battle it out at the weekend’s Roman Festival in the ancient settlement of Augusta Raurica near Basel. A colourful procession kicked off the first contest on Sunday. A battalion of legionnaires in armour, followed by dancers and musicians in robes and togas, trod…

Swiss Politics

Tough negotiations ahead at Earth Summit

This content was published on Aug 26, 2002 The Swiss foreign minister, Joseph Deiss, says he is confident the summit will not end in failure. “We have to be optimistic, even if there remain great problems to be solved,” Deiss told swissinfo, ” because it wouldn’t be fair to go to Johannesburg with a pessimistic frame of mind.” The United Nations World Summit…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland: a model for Europe?

This content was published on Aug 22, 2002 Fifty years ago, the EU founders Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman considered the idea of a federal state similiar to Switzerland. And the idea has once again gained prominence as Brussels considers the future of the EU. Last December saw the creation of the Convention on the future of Europe, designed to pave the way…

Swiss Politics

What keeps Switzerland together?

This content was published on Aug 22, 2002 With so many differences Switzerland would seem to have little chance of holding together. But Switzerland is united as today as it has ever been. One reason for this cohesion, says Gregory Fossedal, title and author of Direct Democracy, is the system of direct democracy. It gives every Swiss citizen the right to call for…

Swiss Politics

Lake Geneva to host G-8 leaders in 2003

This content was published on Aug 3, 2002 The French president, Jacques Chirac, has chosen Evian-les-Bains as the host town for next year’s G-8 summit. Evian, which is famous for its health spas and bottled water, is nestled on the French side of Lake Geneva. However, Switzerland is likely to become heavily involved in the summit – not only because of its geographic…

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Conference ends with ringing endorsement of federalism

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Swiss put brave face on prospects for faltering summit

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Swiss president extols virtues of federalism

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Leaders convene to debate future of federalism

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Switzerland hosts federalism conference

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Roman titans clash near Basel

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Tough negotiations ahead at Earth Summit

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Switzerland: a model for Europe?

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What keeps Switzerland together?

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Lake Geneva to host G-8 leaders in 2003

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