Swiss Identity

Locarno holds up a mirror to the Middle East

This content was published on Aug 11, 2006 The screenings come at a difficult time for the Middle East, with fighting continuing in Lebanon, ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip. The movies – some from the Leopards of Tomorrow short film section – dealt with familiar themes such as discrimination, trust and mutual (mis)understanding. More than…

Demographics

ICRC receives pledges from Israel on access

This content was published on Aug 10, 2006 Jakob Kellenberger was commenting after talks on Thursday with the Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert. Kellenberger, who has ended a four-day visit to southern Lebanon and Israel, had insisted that improved access was essential given the desperate humanitarian situation. In a statement from the ICRC’s Geneva headquarters, Kellenberger noted that Olmert had given him “personal…

Culture

The Two Architectures

This content was published on Aug 10, 2006 Once the style of “high” architecture filtered down to street level, informing the design of ordinary dwellings. Perhaps it still does, but nowadays it can take centuries. With the rise of star architects, old industrial cities have become pilgrimage destinations: Milwaukee has the first Santiago Calatrava on American soil! Famous tourist destinations are adding such…

Hotel Hospitals

This content was published on Aug 9, 2006

Top festival brings together music and language

This content was published on Aug 9, 2006 Symphony concerts form the backbone of the event which runs until mid-September in the central Swiss city. Some 70 concerts, including musical performances by 16 renowned symphony orchestras as well as outstanding solo artists, are scheduled at the Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre. Sixteen premières are due to be given, according to the festival programme.…

Demographics

Insurance

This content was published on Aug 9, 2006 Switzerland is often considered to be a nation of insurers thanks to the global reach of many of its companies such as Zurich and Winterthur. A lesser-know fact is that it also carries plenty of weight in the reinsurance sector, with Swiss Re the world’s biggest firm of its kind. The Swiss also like to…

NGOs wary after Sri Lanka slayings

This content was published on Aug 9, 2006 Some projects have been disrupted or postponed in the worst affected areas of the country, but NGOs have vowed not to withdraw despite a steady escalation in violence between government troops and Tamil rebels. The murder of 17 Action Against Hunger workers is the first time NGO staff have been targeted in the growing conflict…

Demographics

Concern raised about crisis in Gaza

This content was published on Aug 8, 2006 The head of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) for Gaza and the West Bank says the population in the occupied territories feels abandoned. Mario Carera said the situation in the area had deteriorated over the past few weeks. “The food and security situation is catastrophic,” he told the Swiss news agency. Carera…

Demographics

Del Ponte Doc

This content was published on Aug 8, 2006

Leopard of Locarno changes its spots

This content was published on Aug 8, 2006 Although Swiss film has always been to the fore in all sections of the festival, Swiss Cinema Day aims to project a positive notion of homegrown works. “This white leopard on a red background symbolises Swiss cinema,” said Nicolas Bideau, head of film at the Federal Culture Office, about the decision to change the festival…

Swiss Identity

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