Swiss Abroad

New Geneva mayor launches wake-up call

This content was published on Jun 28, 2008 Tornare, who took over the reins on June 1, told journalists that local and federal authorities had to work hard to improve infrastructure and especially housing conditions to beat off tough competition from abroad. Geneva is home to the headquarters of 22 international organisations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Trade Organization…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland welcomes results of waste conference

This content was published on Jun 27, 2008 Among the agreements reached was a decision to increase cooperation between three Geneva-based international organisations working to prevent pollution caused by the dumping of chemical and hazardous waste. The Swiss Environment Office said this had been one of the targets of the Swiss delegation. The head of the Swiss delegation, Franz Perrez, told the Swiss…

Swiss Politics

Embassy planned in Armenia

This content was published on Jun 27, 2008 She was speaking in the capital, Yerevan, where she held official talks with her Armenian counterpart, Eduard Nalbaldian. Among the topics discussed by the two ministers was the situation in the Armenian-populated enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is surrounded by Azerbaijan. Switzerland has attempted to mediate between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the conflict. Other topics for…

Prices on EU imports could drop

This content was published on Jun 27, 2008 It has asked parliament to consider introducing the “Cassis-de-Dijon” Principle – resulting in possible savings of more that SFr2 billion per year ($1.96 billion), according to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco). Currently, only 48 per cent of goods imported from the EU face no technical hurdles. If new federal legislation is adopted by…

Swiss Politics

Parents convicted of genital mutilation

This content was published on Jun 26, 2008 The sentences to the parents of the girl, now aged 14, were read out in a Zurich court on Thursday. The judge’s ruling was in line with what prosecutors had requested and was the first time anyone has been convicted for carrying out genital mutilation in Switzerland. The parents had claimed they were unaware that…

Swiss Politics

Single VAT rate planned

This content was published on Jun 26, 2008 Finance Minister Hans-Rudolf Merz said the proposal was aimed at introducing a more efficient and transparent system while reducing the administrative burden for companies. The plan, which still needs approval by parliament and voters, is expected to make household products, public transport, cars, fuel and electronic equipment cheaper. However, it would probably prompt price hikes…

Export subsidies in farming sector axed

This content was published on Jun 25, 2008 The money saved will go towards direct payments. The measures are due to come into force next year. However, subsidies for cheese production will remain to keep Swiss producers competitive in a liberalised European Union market, according to the economics ministry. The main farmers association welcomed the decision but added that farmers in mountain regions…

Swiss Politics

EC expected to sue lift firms for damages

This content was published on Jun 24, 2008 It is seeking compensation over what it described as collusion to raise the cost of lifts in European Union buildings in Belgium and Luxembourg, the EC executive said on Tuesday. Germany’s ThyssenKrupp AG, Finland’s Kone and United Technologies’s unit Otis Elevator of the United States will also be sued. The EC would not give an…

Swiss Politics

Pakistani nuclear expert denies supplying plans

This content was published on Jun 22, 2008 The NZZ am Sonntag carries an interview with Abdul Qadeer Khan, “the father of Pakistan’s atom bomb”, in which he denies supplying the Swiss Tinner family with the plans for a nuclear weapon which the government destroyed at the end of 2007. The Tinners – father Friedrich and sons Marco and Urs – are accused…

Swiss Politics

Few regret departure of air force commander

This content was published on Jun 21, 2008 His removal came eight days after a rafting accident killed four soldiers. A fifth man is still missing, presumed dead. Another five were injured. Knutti was asked to step down by Swiss armed forces commander Roland Nef on Thursday. Nef told a media conference the following day that although the request for his resignation was…

Swiss Abroad

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Swiss Abroad

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New Geneva mayor launches wake-up call

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Switzerland welcomes results of waste conference

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Embassy planned in Armenia

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Prices on EU imports could drop

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Parents convicted of genital mutilation

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Single VAT rate planned

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Export subsidies in farming sector axed

More

EC expected to sue lift firms for damages

More

Pakistani nuclear expert denies supplying plans

More

Few regret departure of air force commander

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