Swiss Identity

Finance minister worried over resignations of anti-money laundering officers

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 At the weekend, four of the finance ministry’s six officials charged with combating money laundering within financial institutions said they would quit at the end of November or December. Analysts say frustration is rife among officials because of the inadequate means at their disposal to fight the crime. “Of course I am worried if some…

Demographics

Parliamentary visit to Guatemala surrounded by controversy

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 Eight parliamentarians are travelling to Guatemala at the invitation of church groups, charities and development organisations to review the country’s needs as it recovers from a 36-year civil war that ended in 1996. The one-week visit includes talks with the president, Alfonso Portillo, as well as a controversial meeting with the former dictator, Rios Montt,…

Demographics

Swiss death penalty opponents keep campaigning

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 Saturday’s decision, taken in Rome to mark the 50th anniversary of the organisation, comes 60 years after Switzerland abolished capital punishment. Hans Vollenweider bears a dubious distinction in Swiss history. In October 1940 he was the country’s last criminal to be executed, after a prison escape and murder spree the previous year. The death penalty…

History

Out & About in Switzerland: A parade of lights

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 They take the lit beets and take part in “processions of light”. The largest and most traditional festival is the “Räbechilbi” in the town of Richterswil. At exactly 6:30pm – this year on November 11 – more than 1,000 children and adults will proceed through the darkened town carrying impressively sculpted beet lanterns. Huge, three-dimensional…

Demographics

Swiss troops line up alongside Nato partners

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 The weeklong exercises, which are being held in Lucerne, were opened on Sunday by the Swiss president, Adolf Ogi. He said Switzerland was pleased and proud to be hosting such an event, but stressed that Swiss involvement was not a prelude to joining Nato. He added that the training would not compromise Swiss neutrality. The…

Culture

Making sweet music in Lucerne

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 Piano 2000 runs in the city’s Culture and Congress Centre from November 21 to November 26. With a densely packed programme, featuring a broad range of composers and styles, the organisers hope this will turn out to be the most successful festival to date. The year 2000 has been designated “Bach Year”, and that is…

Culture

Celebration of Bach in Lausanne

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 Kei Koito, who founded and is director of Lausanne’s annual Bach Festival, was organ soloist at the opening concert. She played “The Art of the Fugue”, which in music terms is regarded by many scholars as the composer’s last will and testament. He was working on the first printed edition of the piece when he…

Culture

Lake Geneva on canvas

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 About 50 paintings and prints by Sarto will be on display at the foundation from November 17 to 26. The exhibition includes a number of still life, nude and landscape works – the latter featuring scenes of forests, the Lake Geneva shore and the Swiss countryside in winter. Sarto has developed a unique technique giving…

Onions galore in Bern

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 The Zibelemärit, or onion market, is a real feast for the senses. Held on the fourth Monday of November every year, the best-known and most popular of Switzerland’s autumn markets traces its history back to the 15th century. Tradition has it that the market was allowed after farmers from the neighbouring Fribourg region helped in…

Ambassador denies US pushed for Montesinos funds freeze

This content was published on Nov 5, 2000 The media in Peru attributed the recent move by the Swiss judicial authorities to pressure from the CIA and the American Drug Enforcement Agency, the DEA. Martin denied this on Peruvian radio, RPP: “We did it of our own initiative, there was no external pressure on the Swiss authorities to intervene.” He said Switzerland decided…

Swiss Identity

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Swiss Identity

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Finance minister worried over resignations of anti-money laundering officers

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Parliamentary visit to Guatemala surrounded by controversy

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Swiss death penalty opponents keep campaigning

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Out & About in Switzerland: A parade of lights

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Swiss troops line up alongside Nato partners

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Making sweet music in Lucerne

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Celebration of Bach in Lausanne

More

Lake Geneva on canvas

More

Onions galore in Bern

More

Ambassador denies US pushed for Montesinos funds freeze

Popular Stories

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