Swiss Abroad

Hands off my gun!

This content was published on Jun 11, 2007 As the national gun debate hots up, swissinfo tests the temperature of opinion among gun fans with a visit to a gun dealer and stop-off at the “world’s biggest shooting festival”. It’s 10am and the tiny premises of Poyet gun shop in the middle of the capital Bern are a hive of activity. A distinguished-looking…

Human Rights Council enters crucial phase

This content was published on Jun 11, 2007 Switzerland, like other Western countries, wants the institution to be as independent as possible and open to non-governmental organisations. Asian and African countries – which form the majority – would prefer mechanisms to be controlled by the states. Luis Alfonso de Alba, president of the UN Human Rights Council until June 18, is leading the…

Swiss Politics

Swiss press rue “missed opportunity” by G8

This content was published on Jun 9, 2007 G8 leaders ended their summit on Friday after agreeing to set a nonbinding goal to cut greenhouse gases, warn Iran over its nuclear programme and give more money to fight diseases in Africa. But a deal on the future of Serbia’s Kosovo province eluded them. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, hosting G8 leaders and heads of…

Swiss Politics

Report names Poland and Romania in CIA scandal

This content was published on Jun 8, 2007 Releasing details from his second report in Paris on Thursday, Dick Marty said Poland housed some of the CIA’s most sensitive prisoners. They included Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who says he masterminded the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States that killed almost 3,000 people. “There is now enough evidence to state that secret detention…

Swiss Politics

Ballot box campaign spat leaves public cold

This content was published on Jun 6, 2007 The provocative images used on postcards reflect the increasing polarisation in Swiss politics, but experts doubt whether the clash of the parties will boost turnout significantly at the June 17 ballot. The series of juxtaposed pictures of cabinet ministers in wheelchairs, with a walking stick or amputated limb, was launched by the Trade Union Federation…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland confirms secret Iran talks

This content was published on Jun 6, 2007 News of the meeting was broken by news agencies on Tuesday, which quoted Iranian official Ali Larijani as saying that, while the Swiss proposals were not acceptable, they could be amended to resolve its nuclear issues. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lars Knuchel told swissinfo that he could say nothing beyond confirming that the get together did…

Swiss Politics

G8 summit makes Swiss hot under the collar

This content was published on Jun 6, 2007 Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain, the United States and Russia are meeting informally to discuss issues of global and mutual concern. Switzerland has already communicated its ideas on the environment to Berlin. The Swiss environment minister, Moritz Leuenberger, presented his country’s position on climate issues to his German counterpart only last week. “Minister Leuenberger…

Swiss Politics

Senate says no to mobile porn

This content was published on Jun 5, 2007 The parliamentary chamber passed the motion, designed to protect minors, by 25 votes to four, despite Justice Minister Christoph Blocher questioning the need for a blanket ban. The House of Representatives will now have to vote on the issue. Rolf Schweiger, the centre-right Radical Party senator behind the proposal, said that it was imperative to…

Swiss Politics

Swiss in Britain urged to make voice heard

This content was published on Jun 4, 2007 The annual general meeting of the Federation of Swiss Societies in Britain (FOSSUK) was held in Edinburgh, and delegates had the opportunity to visit the new Scottish parliament and compare political processes in Switzerland and Scotland. The annual event – held in a different location each year – is a chance for Swiss clubs to…

Swiss Politics

Ex-spy boss cleared over South Africa affair

This content was published on Jun 4, 2007 The defence ministry said the move was tantamount to the full clearing of Peter Regli, the former head of Switzerland’s foreign intelligence unit, of any wrongdoing. However, the author of a scientific study into Swiss links with apartheid South Africa criticised the decision by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office as “beyond comprehension”. A defence ministry statement,…

Swiss Abroad

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Swiss Abroad

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Hands off my gun!

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Human Rights Council enters crucial phase

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Swiss press rue “missed opportunity” by G8

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Report names Poland and Romania in CIA scandal

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Ballot box campaign spat leaves public cold

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Switzerland confirms secret Iran talks

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G8 summit makes Swiss hot under the collar

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Senate says no to mobile porn

More

Swiss in Britain urged to make voice heard

More

Ex-spy boss cleared over South Africa affair

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