Swiss Abroad

Bern urges end to Sudan fighting

This content was published on Aug 1, 2002 The Swiss foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that it was alarmed by the escalation of violence and the large number of civilian casualties. The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLA) on Tuesday accused government troops of killing 1,000 civilians in a new offensive in the south of the country. Swiss appeal Bern…

Swiss Politics

Swiss take fresh look at air show safety

This content was published on Jul 29, 2002 Swiss aviation authorities are to “carefully” study security rules in order to prevent a crash like that which occurred at an air show on the outskirts of the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, said Christophe Keckeis, deputy commander of the Swiss Air Force. He said checks would be made to see whether such a catastrophe…

Swiss Politics

Swiss offer to help Ukrainian crash victims

This content was published on Jul 28, 2002 Ukraine welcomed the offer of assistance, but said there was no need at present to take up Switzerland’s offer of hospital places for many of the badly burnt victims of the disaster. The Swiss president, Kaspar Villiger, has also sent the Ukrainian president, Leonid Kuchma, a letter expressing his and the Swiss people’s “deep sympathy”…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland approved as UN member by Security Council

This content was published on Jul 25, 2002 Wednesday’s decision paves the way for the General Assembly to complete the process and vote on the issue on September 10. Switzerland formally applied for membership last week following a nationwide vote in March in favour of joining the world body. “I wish to extend my congratulations to the Swiss Confederation on this historic occasion,”…

Swiss Politics

Swiss seek to deter African asylum seekers

This content was published on Jul 24, 2002 In the past six months, the number of African asylum seekers has increased by 1,400 to reach 16,500. However, Bern has no repatriation agreements with African nations which in many cases either cannot or do not want to take back their citizens. One reason why cooperation with African states is problematic is because registers destroyed…

Swiss Politics

Intense diplomatic ballet in Geneva

This content was published on Jul 21, 2002 The Middle East crisis seems to be the focus of talks underway in the Geneva area. The Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak made a 24-hour visit, meeting two Gulf heads of state holidaying in the region on Friday. Mubarak spoke first with the Emirati president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan near Annemasse, just over the…

Swiss Politics

Africans blocked from attending Geneva forum

This content was published on Jul 19, 2002 The Swiss authorities were apparently concerned that some of the participants would try to remain in Switzerland illegally after the World Civil Society Forum. “Last week, we were receiving calls for help every two minutes. Delegates were stranded on the tarmac, clutching their air tickets,” says Sébastien Ziegler, the organiser of the forum. He believes…

Swiss Politics

Swiss-backed ceasefire keeps peace in Sudan

This content was published on Jul 19, 2002 The discussions between Danforth and Joseph Bucher, the former Swiss ambassador to Kenya and now Bern-based special envoy for conflict issues, focused on the hopes that an ongoing peace process in Sudan would continue. This is something Danforth said remained the primary concern of the US policy towards the Sudan. “The US is looking for…

Swiss Politics

Swiss make formal bid for UN membership

This content was published on Jul 18, 2002 After receiving the formal request for membership, Annan described Switzerland’s decision to join the UN as a “wonderful and wise decision”. His comments came after a closed door meeting in New York with Swiss ambassador to the UN, Jenö Staehelin, where the application was handed over. The application is little more than a formality, and…

Swiss Politics

Parliamentarians brave Britain’s political bear pit

This content was published on Jul 14, 2002 During their trip, the Swiss politicians were given a tour of Westminster and the House of Commons, with the highlight being a ringside seat during Prime Minister’s Question Time. “It was so fascinating to see how the House of Commons functions,” parliamentarian Kathy Riklin told swissinfo. “There is such a lively atmosphere during debates. The…

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Swiss Abroad

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Bern urges end to Sudan fighting

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Swiss take fresh look at air show safety

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Swiss offer to help Ukrainian crash victims

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Switzerland approved as UN member by Security Council

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Swiss seek to deter African asylum seekers

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Intense diplomatic ballet in Geneva

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Africans blocked from attending Geneva forum

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Swiss-backed ceasefire keeps peace in Sudan

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Swiss make formal bid for UN membership

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Parliamentarians brave Britain’s political bear pit

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