Swiss Politics

Tobacco exports flourish as Swiss smoke less

This content was published on May 31, 2008 However, the number of Swiss smokers is gradually decreasing as anti-smoking measures gain momentum – Saturday is World No Tobacco Day – and the number of Swiss-made cigarettes sold on the domestic market continues to fall. Switzerland is something of a magnet for international tobacco companies, with three large firms – British American Tobacco Switzerland,…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet gives green light for WTO renovation

This content was published on May 30, 2008 In a statement on Friday the cabinet said that it had agreed with the WTO on long-term renovation plans that would costs a total of SFr130 million. About half will be funded through interest-free loans that the WTO will have to pay back within 50 years. Switzerland will pay the rest of the bill. Foreign…

Swiss Politics

Government calls for two-stage border accords

This content was published on May 30, 2008 The government said it hoped to introduce the Schengen system at its land borders on December 5/6 but would prefer to wait until the timetable change of March 29 2009 before applying it at airports. The Schengen accord abolishes systematic controls on individuals within its zone of application and increases cooperation in the fight against…

Swiss Politics

Did Switzerland give in to US pressure?

This content was published on May 30, 2008 On Friday the federal criminal court rejected a bail application by two Swiss brothers accused of supplying parts for Libya’s nuclear weapons programme. Experts criticise the lack of separation of powers and mounting speculation that the United States, concerned that its agents were implicated, had demanded the documents be destroyed. “The government is not above…

Swiss Politics

How Maria got her Swiss passport in Meggen

This content was published on May 30, 2008 Ahead of a nationwide vote on naturalisation methods on Sunday, swissinfo travelled to Meggen to witness the procedure. Five years ago, the Federal Court outlawed ballot box decisions on citizenship requests, prompting a challenge from the rightwing People’s Party. The People’s Party argues it is up to communes to decide on the procedure – by…

Swiss Politics

Swiss welcome cluster bomb ban

This content was published on May 29, 2008 The accord has also been hailed by the Swiss-run International Committee of the Red Cross, which described it as a major step forward for the protection of civilians. However, the Swiss defence ministry said it regretted that the major producer countries of the bombs, including the United States, Russia, China, India, Pakistan and Israel did…

Swiss Politics

Schengen and Dublin rules set to be applied

This content was published on May 29, 2008 Parliament gave the go-ahead on Thursday after the House of Representatives voted in favour of the changes. The Senate had already given its approval earlier this year. The modifications mean that the Schengen and Dublin rules can be introduced from November 1. However delays in the parliamentary ratification process in three EU countries have made…

Swiss Politics

EU policy hotly debated in parliament

This content was published on May 29, 2008 After six hours of discussion on Wednesday, the House of Representatives decided that a nationwide vote to be held on prolonging the agreement on the free movement of people should be separated from one on extending the right to the EU’s two newest members. The House decision follows the line of the Swiss government. The…

Swiss Politics

Conference assesses Iraq’s status

This content was published on May 29, 2008 The Swedish meeting is evaluating the implementation of the ICI, a five-year peace and economic development agreement that was officially launched in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in May last year. Michael Ambühl, state secretary for foreign affairs, is heading the Swiss delegation. Governments are also set to discuss the cancellation of Iraq’s debt,…

Swiss Politics

Couchepin to attend Beijing Olympics

This content was published on May 28, 2008 There had been uncertainty over his attendance since riots in Tibet in March, which left a number of people dead. Couchepin justified his decision on the grounds that Switzerland houses the seat of the International Olympic Committee and that it was therefore “natural” that he should go. He said his ministerial colleagues had left the…

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Tobacco exports flourish as Swiss smoke less

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Cabinet gives green light for WTO renovation

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Government calls for two-stage border accords

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Did Switzerland give in to US pressure?

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How Maria got her Swiss passport in Meggen

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Swiss welcome cluster bomb ban

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Schengen and Dublin rules set to be applied

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EU policy hotly debated in parliament

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Conference assesses Iraq’s status

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Couchepin to attend Beijing Olympics

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