Swiss Politics

Foreign minister defends Iran trip

This content was published on May 14, 2008 She told a conference in Lucerne on Wednesday that the agreement ensured a long-term Swiss presence in an important region. The gas deal which was signed in Calmy-Rey’s presence between the National Iranian Gas Export Company and the Swiss EGL power company, brought furious responses from several quarters – most notably Israel, Jewish organisations and…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet calls for GMO-free agriculture

This content was published on May 14, 2008 Voters approved a five-year blanket ban in a nationwide ballot in 2005, but research remains permitted. Parliament is to debate the government proposal. The Federal Environment Office said the current moratorium had had no adverse impact on farming or research in Switzerland, and Swiss agriculture could benefit from its GMO-free status. Results of a national…

Swiss Politics

Palestinians mark 60 years since their “Nakba”

This content was published on May 14, 2008 For their Palestinian neighbours it is a time of very different memories. swissinfo spoke to a young Palestinian woman in Jerusalem about her family life, hopes and fears 60 years on from what they call Al Nakba or “the catastrophe”. “I remember there were always fireworks at this time of year when I was a…

Swiss Politics

Human rights improvements on the cards

This content was published on May 13, 2008 The decision was announced after a working group of the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council adopted a report on Swiss human rights on Tuesday. Switzerland agreed to step up action against xenophobia, ratify the protocol of the UN convention against torture and create a national body to help prevent torture. It will also continue to…

Swiss Politics

Leuthard wraps up free-trade talks in China

This content was published on May 12, 2008 The ministry said that Leuthard fulfilled her main objective, which was to hold meetings with the new Chinese trade minister, Chen Deming. The economics minister met Chen’s predecessor, Bo Xilai, almost one year ago, establishing an initial framework for trade discussions. Both governments have described the latest talks in Shanghai as constructive. Switzerland and China…

Swiss Politics

Lebanon teeters on the brink once again

This content was published on May 10, 2008 Switzerland’s embassy in Beirut has advised the estimated 800 Swiss living in Lebanon to stay at home and avoid making any unnecessary trips. The dream of democracy in Lebanon had been dealt “a poisonous stab by the armed coup carried out by Hezbollah and its allies”, Siniora said on Saturday, adding that Beirut was a…

Swiss Politics

Geneva exploits football potential

This content was published on May 9, 2008 Officials responsible for the organisation of the matches in the city say there will be a holiday atmosphere and visitors will be welcomed with open arms. Geneva is the venue for three of the matches of the tournament, which runs from June 7 to 29 and is being hosted jointly by Switzerland and Austria. A…

Swiss Politics

Swiss in human rights hot seat

This content was published on May 8, 2008 Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey and a 20-strong Swiss delegation were grilled by some 40 states on Thursday about issues ranging from racism, migrant and women’s rights, naturalisations to the lack of a national human rights institution. Switzerland is part of the second group of 16 countries, including Pakistan, France and Japan, to be scrutinized over…

Swiss Politics

Situation “desperate” following Myanmar cyclone

This content was published on May 8, 2008 Peter Achten tells swissinfo that as victims wait for essential supplies to arrive from abroad, dissatisfaction is growing over the military authorities’ response. Foreign aid is trickling in, but aid workers are stuck on the Thai border waiting for permission to enter Myanmar. Achten, who reports for Swiss public radio, happened to be in the…

Swiss Politics

Swiss congratulate state of Israel

This content was published on May 7, 2008 In a letter published on Wednesday President Pascal Couchepin assured Israel of Switzerland’s support in efforts for a lasting peace in the Middle East. Couchepin also pointed out the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and recalled that Switzerland hosted the first Zionist Congress in Basel in 1897. However, Israel did not invite a…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Foreign minister defends Iran trip

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Cabinet calls for GMO-free agriculture

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Palestinians mark 60 years since their “Nakba”

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Human rights improvements on the cards

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Leuthard wraps up free-trade talks in China

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Lebanon teeters on the brink once again

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Geneva exploits football potential

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Swiss in human rights hot seat

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Situation “desperate” following Myanmar cyclone

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Swiss congratulate state of Israel

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