Swiss Identity

Divisions could hamper new cooperation drive

This content was published on Jul 14, 2008 But deep-rooted divisions among some countries and a lack of political conditions for membership could lessen its impact, says Derek Lutterbeck, deputy director and holder of the Swiss Chair at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta. The union’s inaugural meeting in Paris on Sunday set its first priorities, including the creation of a…

Culture

Swiss “Green Fairy” seduces US tipplers

This content was published on Jul 14, 2008 Sales of the highly alcoholic spirit, legal in Switzerland since 2005, have quadrupled over the past six months. Around 40 per cent of absinthe is exported, with two-thirds going to the US, according to the Swiss Alcohol Board (SAB). Exports of the beverage, reached 140,000 litres over the first six months of 2008 compared with…

Demographics

Federal court rules against MSF in ransom case

This content was published on Jul 14, 2008 The court on Monday overturned a February ruling by judges in Geneva, who had rejected the Dutch claim for reimbursement after it paid €1 million to free an aid worker in the Russian republic of Dagestan. The Swiss section of MSF had employed the worker, Arjan Erkel, a Dutch national, at the time he was…

Demographics

How a monster builds bridges

This content was published on Jul 14, 2008 But the Scots at least should soon be better informed after a party of home journalists visited Switzerland last week to investigate rumours that their famous Loch Ness monster had been kidnapped by the Swiss. Nessie featured in a poster campaign by the Swiss Federal Railways earlier this year, showing her surfacing in Lake Lucerne.…

Foul weather hits southern Switzerland

This content was published on Jul 14, 2008 Rain blanketed much of the country over the weekend, particularly in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, causing floods and triggering mudslides. By Monday morning, the city of Lugano had received 170 mm of precipitation, more than the average total for July, according to the Federal Meteorology and Climatology Office. Up to one metre of snow…

Demographics

Foreign firemen hone their skills in Switzerland

This content was published on Jul 14, 2008 Foreign firemen hone their skills in Switzerland.

Demographics

Ledergerber makes it to finals of World Mayor

This content was published on Jul 14, 2008 The finalists were chosen by 200,000 people who cast their votes and made comments on the internet about 820 mayors from towns and cities throughout the world. A jury will now decide on the merits of the finalists and award the title on October 14. Elected mayor of Switzerland’s financial capital in 2002, Ledergerber is…