Swiss Abroad

RUAG defends arms operations with Israel

This content was published on Apr 24, 2002 The company’s operations in the Middle East have come under media scrutiny amid the escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. “RUAG does not export material to Israel but is involved in existing contracts between the Swiss government and Israel,” RUAG chief executive Toni Wicki told swissinfo. “We are participating in production of material with…

Swiss Politics

Appenzell celebrates democracy – Swiss style

This content was published on Apr 24, 2002 Citizens of the half canton Appenzell Inner Rhoden in eastern Switzerland are taking part in an open-air vote on local issues and to elect the local authorities. The “Landsgemeinde” dates back to the 14th century, and Appenzell Inner Rhoden is – along with Glarus – the last canton in the country to uphold the tradition.…

Swiss Politics

Moving beyond aid

This content was published on Apr 23, 2002 Rather than just concentrating on handing out humanitarian and development aid to nations in need, Deiss told swissinfo that his week-long tour of South Asia had proved that Switzerland has a greater political role to play. Active UN member Deiss said the countries he visited, namely Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan and India, were eager for Switzerland…

Swiss right denies parallels with Le Pen

This content was published on Apr 22, 2002 Le Pen grabbed over 17 per cent of the vote in Sunday’s first round, pitting him against the incumbent, Jacques Chirac, in the run-off and condemning Prime Minister Lionel Jospin to political oblivion. Parallels were immediately drawn with the successes of right-wing parties in other countries, including Switzerland, where the Swiss People’s Party vastly increased…

Swiss Politics

Swiss startled by Le Pen upset in French elections

This content was published on Apr 22, 2002 Le Pen will face conservative President Jacques Chirac in the May 5 second round, while Lionel Jospin, the current prime minister, is out of the race and announced on Sunday that he would resign from politics altogether. Swiss newspapers and politicians expressed their concern at the result, which Der Bund described as a “political earthquake”…

Swiss Politics

Deiss in India for final leg of Asian tour

This content was published on Apr 21, 2002 During his three-day stay in the country, Deiss will meet various Indian government officials and will visit development projects that have been co-funded by Switzerland. India is among the countries earmarked for financial aid by the Swiss Development Agency, which has pledged SFr31.5 million this year alone. Deiss also held talks in Pakistan, Afghanistan and…

Swiss Politics

Deiss meets king of Bhutan

This content was published on Apr 20, 2002 Deiss said the “very high level” discussion with the monarch had also addressed issues such as human rights and national security in the nation, in light of recent incursions by Indian separatist groups in southern regions. The meeting comes during the second day of Deiss’ stay in Bhutan, which is the third stop of his…

Deiss advocates human rights in Pakistan

This content was published on Apr 18, 2002 The Swiss Foreign Ministry said Deiss was particularly interested in raising issues such as the death sentence and the harsh punishment for blasphemy during the second leg of his week-long tour of Southern Asia. Deiss will also discuss joint development projects when he meets his Pakistani counterpart, Abdul Sattar, later on Thursday. Afghan aid During…

Swiss Politics

Deiss pledges additional funds for war-torn Afghanistan

This content was published on Apr 17, 2002 Deiss made the announcement on Wednesday during a one-day visit to the Afghan capital, Kabul, his first stop on a week-long tour of South Asia. The Swiss government has already this year earmarked SFr20 million ($12 million) for specific humanitarian and development projects in the war-torn country, but Afghanistan’s interim government welcomed the pledge of…

Swiss Politics

Parliament backs crèche funding boost

This content was published on Apr 17, 2002 Politicians voted on Wednesday in support of a proposal to allocate SFr100 million a year to help finance childcare facilities. The initiative, which was put forward by the Social Democrat parliamentarian, Jacqueline Fehr, would initially run for four years at a cost of SFr400 million. The funding could ultimately be extended over ten years. The…

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RUAG defends arms operations with Israel

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Appenzell celebrates democracy – Swiss style

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Moving beyond aid

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Swiss right denies parallels with Le Pen

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Swiss startled by Le Pen upset in French elections

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Deiss in India for final leg of Asian tour

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Deiss meets king of Bhutan

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Deiss advocates human rights in Pakistan

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Deiss pledges additional funds for war-torn Afghanistan

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Parliament backs crèche funding boost

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