Swiss Politics

Defence minister defends himself

This content was published on Sep 5, 2008 Speaking on Swiss public television on Thursday evening, he confirmed he had been informed about the sexual harassment charges against Nef as early as November 2006. Schmid had earlier claimed he only became aware of the pending legal case in April 2007 during the selection process for the head of the armed forces. The fallout…

Swiss Politics

Dropped charges against Gaddafi “gift” to Libya

This content was published on Sep 4, 2008 Hasni Abidi, head of a research centre in Geneva, tells swissinfo why he thinks Wednesday’s announcement plays into the hands of the Libyan leader. The prosecutor, Daniel Zappelli said the case against Hannibal Gaddafi and his wife would be closed because the former servants had withdrawn their complaint. It came a day after the lawyer…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet speaks out on Georgia conflict

This content was published on Sep 3, 2008 A government spokesman also said on Wednesday that the terms of the August 12 ceasefire between Russia and Georgia must be implemented in their entirety. “Switzerland regrets that a solution has not yet been found that meets the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Accords and the Charter of Paris,” the spokesman said. He added that…

Swiss Politics

Clooney’s Obama fundraiser is a sellout

This content was published on Sep 3, 2008 The Hollywood actor and director arrived in Geneva on Tuesday for his first appearance on behalf of the Democratic nominee. Some 170 contributors – all US citizens – paid $1,000 a head to hear Clooney speak at a cocktail party held at a museum in Geneva’s Old Town. Afterwards, 75 supporters spent $10,000 each to…

Swiss Politics

Gaddafi abuse complaints withdrawn

This content was published on Sep 2, 2008 The case sparked a diplomatic row between Bern and Tripoli, which imposed retaliatory measures against Swiss businesses and citizens. Geneva lawyer François Membrez, who represents the two domestic staff, said on Tuesday his clients had decided to withdraw the criminal complaint against Hannibal Gaddafi and his wife. “Their interests were safeguarded in so far as…

Swiss Politics

New nature parks get green light

This content was published on Sep 2, 2008 The government has pledged a total of SFr7.4 million ($6.7 million) for the protected areas, which cover almost 3,000m2 or seven per cent of Switzerland’s territory. All projects had been examined and could start their planning phase, officials said on Tuesday. The parks are located in the high Alps, including the Valais and the Graubünden…

Swiss Politics

Couchepin moots reform of youth policy

This content was published on Sep 2, 2008 He said reforms were needed to reflect the changed role of parents in education and to offer the young generation other positive role models. Couchepin, who is also Swiss president this year, was speaking during his traditional annual media walk outside the capital, Bern, on Tuesday. Military service, youth crime and violence, mass drinking events…

Swiss Politics

Gaddafi abuse complaints withdrawn

This content was published on Sep 2, 2008 Geneva lawyer François Membrez, who represents the two, made the announcement on Tuesday. Hannibal Gaddafi and his wife Aline were charged by a Swiss magistrate with inflicting physical injuries and using threats and force against two of their staff, while staying at a hotel in Geneva. The Gaddafis had denied the allegations and were released…

Swiss Politics

Del Ponte believes Mladic will be arrested

This content was published on Aug 31, 2008 Del Ponte, the former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, told the Swiss newspaper Südostschweiz am Sonntag that the Serbs had shown a “clear desire” to move in this direction. It was Del Ponte’s first Swiss interview since the arrest in July of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic after…

Swiss Politics

Drinking session revellers taken to hospital

This content was published on Aug 30, 2008 Around 2,000 people turned up for the so-called botellón – a practice that originated in Spain and is spreading through Switzerland – next to the lake on Friday. Zurich authorities said 52 people needed some sort of first-aid assistance – double the norm for a weekend. Ten people who were either injured, drunk or under…

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Defence minister defends himself

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Dropped charges against Gaddafi “gift” to Libya

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Cabinet speaks out on Georgia conflict

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Clooney’s Obama fundraiser is a sellout

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Gaddafi abuse complaints withdrawn

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New nature parks get green light

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Couchepin moots reform of youth policy

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Gaddafi abuse complaints withdrawn

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Del Ponte believes Mladic will be arrested

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Drinking session revellers taken to hospital

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