Swiss Abroad

Parliament insists on inquiry into Swiss links with the Stasi

This content was published on Mar 20, 2001 During Tuesday’s parliamentary debate in Lugano, the House unanimously reiterated its support for a proposal to commission a report by a historian on relations between Switzerland and former East Germany. Under the proposal, an expert would also look into the activities of the Stasi, East Germany’s former secret service, in Switzerland. The mandate for the…

Swiss Politics

UN Human Rights chief stepping down over meagre resources

This content was published on Mar 20, 2001 Speaking to reporters after her resignation speech on the first day of the session, Robinson said she was going because resources in her department were so meagre that they had become a major obstacle to her work. She told delegates she believed she could do more to promote human rights “outside the constraints” of the…

Swiss Politics

Samaranch seeks to defuse row over honours

This content was published on Mar 19, 2001 In a number of press interviews, Samaranch made clear that he had never sought the Citizenship of Honour, the city’s highest civic award: “I don’t aspire to this distinction. I never asked for anything and don’t expect anything.” Samaranch’s comments come amid speculation that the Lausanne municipal authorities are intending only to give the Spaniard…

Swiss Politics

Swisscoy members pulled away from fighting in Macedonia

This content was published on Mar 16, 2001 A Swisscoy spokesman, Felix Endrich, said five members of its mission had been moved ten kilometres away from the Macedonian city of Tetovo towards the city of Erebino. According to Endrich, Swisscoy’s logistical platform was located very close to the Macedonian military barracks in Tetovo, which were the target of shooting attacks by Albanian rebels…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland lays groundwork for future EU relations

This content was published on Mar 16, 2001 The announcement came following preliminary talks between the two groups in Brussels on Friday. The Swiss have made it clear since February that they want to be party to the full Schengen and Dublin agreements, which are chiefly concerned with border and asylum issues. The negotiators are seeking to exploit a window of opportunity for…

Swiss Politics

Swiss foundation honours work of Afghan doctor

This content was published on Mar 16, 2001 The prize was set up in memory of the former St Gallen police chief, Paul Grüninger, who during the Second World War saved the lives of several hundred Jews and other refugees. It is awarded to individuals or organisations deemed to have made a significant contribution towards safeguarding the freedom and dignity of others. In…

Swiss Politics

Controversy over how Lausanne should honour outgoing IOC president

This content was published on Mar 16, 2001 Lausanne calls itself the Olympic capital, and Samaranch has done as much as anyone to put the IOC and Lausanne on the map. Some would argue that his contribution merits the city’s highest civic award, the Citizen of Honour. But reports say the municipal authorities intend to give the Spaniard no more than the “Keys…

Swiss Politics

Rightwing launches broadside against overseas military cooperation

This content was published on Mar 16, 2001 Launching the campaign on Friday, opponents of planned new army laws said they were in breach of Swiss neutrality and the country’s long-standing humanitarian tradition. Their aim is to persuade Swiss voters to reject the changes, when the issue goes to a nationwide vote in June. Speakers, including Blocher, accused the government of surreptitiously trying…

Swiss Politics

Rocky road ahead for the Christian Democrats

This content was published on Mar 15, 2001 Under Durrer’s leadership, the party made a significant shift towards the right, exposing fault lines on issues such as the proposed legislation of abortion and the timetable for negotiations on Swiss membership of the European Union. Durrer himself blamed internal party divisions for his surprise resignation after four years at its helm, and analysts agree…

Swiss Politics

Durrer leaves Christian Democrats for job at UBS

This content was published on Mar 15, 2001 Announcing his surprise resignation on Thursday, Durrer, 50, said he would step down on May 12, after four years as president of the party. He said his departure would enable the party to find a new leader in good time to fight the next general election in 2003. The party is one of four that…

Swiss Abroad

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Swiss Abroad

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Parliament insists on inquiry into Swiss links with the Stasi

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UN Human Rights chief stepping down over meagre resources

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Samaranch seeks to defuse row over honours

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Swisscoy members pulled away from fighting in Macedonia

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Switzerland lays groundwork for future EU relations

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Swiss foundation honours work of Afghan doctor

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Controversy over how Lausanne should honour outgoing IOC president

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Rightwing launches broadside against overseas military cooperation

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Rocky road ahead for the Christian Democrats

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Durrer leaves Christian Democrats for job at UBS

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