Swiss Politics

Release of Colombian hostages welcomed

This content was published on Jan 11, 2008 In a statement, the foreign ministry offered its services to help find humanitarian solutions for all hostages and prisoners. “Switzerland is delighted and relieved to hear of the release of Clara Rojas and Consuelo González, and salutes the efforts of those who made this possible,” it said. Switzerland – together with France and Spain –…

Swiss Politics

Army chief outlines his priorities

This content was published on Jan 9, 2008 Roland Nef said the proposal by an environmental group would limit air force training opportunities in the Swiss Alps. The issue will come to a nationwide vote on February 24. Nef, who took over from Christophe Keckeis on January 1, was speaking at a news conference in Bern. Asked about the shortage of army pilots,…

Swiss Politics

Cat furs cause furore in Switzerland

This content was published on Jan 8, 2008 The Swiss association SOS Chats has launched a petition calling for a ban on hunting stray cats, and preparing and exporting cat skins. So far it has attracted over 50,000 signatures, including those of Brigitte Bardot, Michael Schumacher and former Miss Switzerland Lauriane Gilliéron. The ban also has support in parliament: a member of the…

Swiss Politics

Pilatus aircraft possibly used in Darfur conflict

This content was published on Jan 8, 2008 A spokeswoman for the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) confirmed reports that her office, along with the foreign ministry, was investigating the claim. “All channels will be activated to clarify exactly what happened,” she said. It is not yet clear what type of aircraft may have been deployed and whether it took part in…

Swiss Politics

Couchepin visits Morocco

This content was published on Jan 7, 2008 Both sides hailed bilateral relations, but said they could be strengthened. Couchepin is on a two-day visit to the country aimed at boosting cooperation between Rabat and Bern. Couchepin’s spokesman Jean-Marc Crevoisier said that Switzerland considered Morocco an important partner and a link between Europe and Africa. Talks – also with several other ministers –…

Couchepin travels to North Africa

This content was published on Jan 6, 2008 One of the highlights is a meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak for talks on cultural, religious and economic issues as well as science projects. Couchepin – who is also interior minister in charge of health, science and culture – is scheduled to launch negotiations with his Egyptian counterpart for an accord on the trade…

Swiss Politics

Red Cross sends more aid to Kenya

This content was published on Jan 4, 2008 According to the United Nations, some 250,000 people have been displaced in the country, mostly in western regions, fleeing fighting sparked by the official result of last week’s presidential election. About 15 staff are on their way to Kenya to assess the situation and determine what food, medicine and other essentials are needed to help…

Swiss Politics

Web surfers make friends with Swiss ministers

This content was published on Jan 3, 2008 An economics student from Neuchâtel in the western part of the country set up the seven ministers’ profiles on the site, a move that has yet to draw a reaction from the government. Bertil Suter is the man behind the Facebook coup. He created the profiles in December after considering the popularity of others already…

Swiss Politics

Cigarette packets get scary

This content was published on Jan 1, 2008 The government decided the measure last April as part of the fight against tobacco use. Packs have already carried large written warnings for some time. Three series of pictures will be used for the next two years according to the Federal Health Office. The aim is to convince young people not to take up smoking…

“A country’s image abroad is paramount”

This content was published on Jan 1, 2008 Couchepin, who replaced Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey on January 1, talked to swissinfo shortly before taking up the largely ceremonial office. swissinfo: This is your second term as president after 2003. Will your approach be any different this time round? Pascal Couchepin: Certainly. When you have been president for a whole year, you gain a…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Release of Colombian hostages welcomed

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Army chief outlines his priorities

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Cat furs cause furore in Switzerland

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Pilatus aircraft possibly used in Darfur conflict

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Couchepin visits Morocco

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Couchepin travels to North Africa

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Red Cross sends more aid to Kenya

More

Web surfers make friends with Swiss ministers

More

Cigarette packets get scary

More

“A country’s image abroad is paramount”

Popular Stories

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