Swiss Identity

Swiss officials to see US detainees in Iran

This content was published on Sep 29, 2009 Switzerland represents US interests in Iran, since Washington has not had formal diplomatic relations with the country for nearly 30 years. The three were detained when they crossed into Iran via the partially unmarked border from Iraqi Kurdistan on July 31. Since their arrest, their families have had no contact with them. A State Department…

Demographics

Influx of foreign residents slows down

This content was published on Sep 29, 2009 However, the rate of increase in the number of residence permit holders was less than for the previous 12 months. The office attributed this to the economic downturn which started last autumn. The number of foreign residents from countries benefiting from an agreement on the free movement of peoples increased by 4.6 per cent in…

Culture

Future refuge

This content was published on Sep 29, 2009 The new hi-tech environmentally friendly Monte Rosa mountain refuge above Zermatt was officially inaugurated on September 25. Launched in 2003 as a project for the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) to mark the 150th anniversary of Zurich’s Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ), the hut is designed to replace the nearby Monte Rosa mountain hut, built in…

Government campaigns against arms export ban

This content was published on Sep 29, 2009 She said the initiative by a pacifist organisation could blunt the competitive edge of Swiss industry since technical innovations first used in the military field also serve civilian purposes. Leuthard said the Swiss armament industry was likely to move abroad if the initiative was approved, putting at risk about 5,100 jobs. Furthermore, the armed forces…

Culture

Polanski appeals against extradition custody

This content was published on Sep 29, 2009 The court said in a statement Tuesday that it would make a decision on the matter “in the next weeks”, dampening expectations that he would be freed anytime soon. Any verdict is subject to appeal from both sides. The renowned Polish-French director was arrested on Saturday as he arrived in Zurich to receive a film…

Culture

Linard Bardill: Dis Land, Mis Land – Your Country, My Country

This content was published on Sep 29, 2009 Gang Rüef de Gääle – Call the Yellow Ones Linard Bardill

Demographics

Crises put Swiss political system to the test

This content was published on Sep 29, 2009 But political experts say the cabinet showed signs of weakness in handling the crisis over banking secrecy and the diplomatic row with Libya. In contrast to the image of Switzerland as a haven of political stability, the country has been going through a turbulent period since 2007 when parliament and the cabinet began their four-year…

Demographics

Hertha Berlin fires Swiss coach Favre

This content was published on Sep 29, 2009 Favre, who was in his third season in Berlin and had a contract until the end of next season, became the fourth Bundesliga coach to lose his job only seven matches into the season. The 51-year-old former professional footballer coached FC Zurich from 2003 up until he left for Hertha in 2007. The Berlin club…

Demographics

Davos drubbed 9-2 by NHL’s Blackhawks

This content was published on Sep 29, 2009 Radek Smolenak and Patrick Kane each scored twice for the Blackhawks in their exhibition win. More than 7,200 people attended the game, in which Davos were outshot 42-12. Daniel Widing and Peter Guggisberg scored for Davos. The team includes former NHL players Reto von Arx, Tim Ramholt, Josef Marha and Petr Taticek. Chicago face ZSC…

Demographics

Africa obtains low-cost fertility treatment

This content was published on Sep 28, 2009 The foundation has set up what it considers low-cost in-vitro fertilization (IVF) centres in Tanzania and South Africa, with a third opening in Sudan in October – nations where childlessness carries a huge social stigma. Africa’s high levels of infertility may come as a surprise given its traditionally strong birth rate. According to a 2004…

Swiss Identity

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