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Swiss Politics

Blackwater probe concludes

This content was published on May 24, 2008 A military court will now decide whether the person in question, referred to by Swiss television only as “Mike”, acted as a mercenary. A conviction for any person serving in a foreign military can result in up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine. The case is regarded as precedent setting within the Swiss military…

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Myanmar aid decision draws muted response

This content was published on May 23, 2008 Myanmar’s ruling junta leader Senior General Than Shwe agreed to allow all humanitarian workers into the country after meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday. The Swiss Red Cross told swissinfo it was “good news in principle” and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) said it would wait for more…

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Swiss Politics

Government confirms nuclear papers destroyed

This content was published on May 23, 2008 Interior Minister Pascal Couchepin said on Friday that detailed plans for the construction of an atomic bomb were among the papers seized after federal prosecutors began investigating a family of Swiss engineers in 2004. The father and sons – Friedrich, Marco and Urs Tinner – were suspected of helping to supply parts for Libya’s nuclear…

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Citizenship figures fuel debate ahead of vote

This content was published on May 23, 2008 Rightwingers argue no country in Europe approves more citizenship applications than Switzerland. But officials say the comparisons are misleading. Over the past few weeks the rightwing Swiss People’s Party has been recycling arguments that proved successful four years ago when it challenged a proposal to facilitate the naturalisation of second- and third-generation foreigners in Switzerland.…

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Swiss Politics

“Experts must be ready to fight for the law”

This content was published on May 22, 2008 Thomas Fleiner, who founded the Federalism Institute at Fribourg University in 1984, is stepping down as director to start up a similar institution in Budapest. But Fleiner, who will be 70 in July, says going for walks and gardening are not on the cards. “I’m not going to stop – teaching is my passion,” he…

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Swiss may have to swallow bitter Doha pill

This content was published on May 22, 2008 Swiss negotiator Remigi Winzap said new documents on farming and industry were a “positive step” forward but warned the picture was not very rosy for Switzerland, which would have to make tough concessions on agriculture. On Monday the WTO issued new agriculture and industrial goods proposals for a global trade agreement to be discussed at…

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Swiss Politics

Good news for rail travellers

This content was published on May 22, 2008 It is increasing the number of trains between the main cities at peak times, and also making them longer to carry more passengers. There will be more frequent services in the evening on some main lines. Weekend trips to the southern holiday canton of Valais will become easier with the introduction of more and longer…

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Swiss Politics

Cabinet steers clear of EU labour quota

This content was published on May 21, 2008 Free access to the labour market is a key element of bilateral relations between non-EU member Switzerland and Brussels under an accord which came into force in 2002. The Swiss economy was benefiting from the agreement, the justice ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. However, the government reserves the right to reconsider restrictions at…

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Swiss Politics

Experts call for change in Swiss refugee policy

This content was published on May 20, 2008 The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) wants wealthier countries to agree in advance to take in specific numbers of refugees who have not found a permanent place of refuge. Until the late 1990s Switzerland took part in the system, but abandoned it when huge numbers of refugees fleeing the conflict in ex-Yugoslavia started arriving.…

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Swiss Politics

Study warns of welfare trap

This content was published on May 20, 2008 The National Science Foundation has called for reform to adapt the system to individual needs, particularly those of younger people. Eighteen to 25 year olds make up the largest group of welfare beneficiaries. They accounted for nearly 13 per cent of the total in 2006. Overall about 245,000 people in Switzerland lived on welfare –…

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