Swiss Abroad

People’s Party hits Graubünden branch

This content was published on May 17, 2008 The decision on Saturday in Zurich follows that canton’s support of justice minister and party member Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, whom the People’s Party had demanded step down. Widmer-Schlumpf, who has the support of Switzerland’s six other cabinet ministers, has said she intended to stay in office and would not be “intimidated”. The 84-13 vote to open…

Swiss Politics

Call to improve development goals

This content was published on May 16, 2008 Alliance Sud, the Swiss Alliance of Development Organisations, made the statement on Friday, ten days ahead of a parliament vote on development funding. Peter Niggli, head of the group, said Swiss aid should favour direct partnerships with beneficiaries and follow the Millennium Objectives set by the United Nations in 2000 for global poverty numbers to…

Swiss Politics

Settlement expected in apartheid case

This content was published on May 14, 2008 Plaintiffs representing black South Africans are claiming $400 billion (SFr420 billion) in damages from 50 prominent companies they say violated international law and supported South Africa’s apartheid regime between 1948 and 1994. A decision by the US Supreme Court this week to uphold a 2007 appeal court ruling allowed the case to go forward, paving…

Swiss Politics

Foreign minister defends Iran trip

This content was published on May 14, 2008 She told a conference in Lucerne on Wednesday that the agreement ensured a long-term Swiss presence in an important region. The gas deal which was signed in Calmy-Rey’s presence between the National Iranian Gas Export Company and the Swiss EGL power company, brought furious responses from several quarters – most notably Israel, Jewish organisations and…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet calls for GMO-free agriculture

This content was published on May 14, 2008 Voters approved a five-year blanket ban in a nationwide ballot in 2005, but research remains permitted. Parliament is to debate the government proposal. The Federal Environment Office said the current moratorium had had no adverse impact on farming or research in Switzerland, and Swiss agriculture could benefit from its GMO-free status. Results of a national…

Swiss Politics

Palestinians mark 60 years since their “Nakba”

This content was published on May 14, 2008 For their Palestinian neighbours it is a time of very different memories. swissinfo spoke to a young Palestinian woman in Jerusalem about her family life, hopes and fears 60 years on from what they call Al Nakba or “the catastrophe”. “I remember there were always fireworks at this time of year when I was a…

Swiss Politics

Human rights improvements on the cards

This content was published on May 13, 2008 The decision was announced after a working group of the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council adopted a report on Swiss human rights on Tuesday. Switzerland agreed to step up action against xenophobia, ratify the protocol of the UN convention against torture and create a national body to help prevent torture. It will also continue to…

Swiss Politics

Leuthard wraps up free-trade talks in China

This content was published on May 12, 2008 The ministry said that Leuthard fulfilled her main objective, which was to hold meetings with the new Chinese trade minister, Chen Deming. The economics minister met Chen’s predecessor, Bo Xilai, almost one year ago, establishing an initial framework for trade discussions. Both governments have described the latest talks in Shanghai as constructive. Switzerland and China…

Swiss Politics

Lebanon teeters on the brink once again

This content was published on May 10, 2008 Switzerland’s embassy in Beirut has advised the estimated 800 Swiss living in Lebanon to stay at home and avoid making any unnecessary trips. The dream of democracy in Lebanon had been dealt “a poisonous stab by the armed coup carried out by Hezbollah and its allies”, Siniora said on Saturday, adding that Beirut was a…

Swiss Politics

Geneva exploits football potential

This content was published on May 9, 2008 Officials responsible for the organisation of the matches in the city say there will be a holiday atmosphere and visitors will be welcomed with open arms. Geneva is the venue for three of the matches of the tournament, which runs from June 7 to 29 and is being hosted jointly by Switzerland and Austria. A…

Swiss Abroad

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Swiss Abroad

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People’s Party hits Graubünden branch

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Call to improve development goals

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Settlement expected in apartheid case

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Foreign minister defends Iran trip

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Cabinet calls for GMO-free agriculture

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Palestinians mark 60 years since their “Nakba”

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Human rights improvements on the cards

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Leuthard wraps up free-trade talks in China

More

Lebanon teeters on the brink once again

More

Geneva exploits football potential

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