Swiss Politics

Nepal’s leaders take lessons in democracy

This content was published on Jul 6, 2007 The visit comes ahead of November’s election in the Himalayan kingdom and is seen as part of Swiss efforts to support Nepal’s transition to democracy. “Both sides agreed that the exchange has been positive and helped boost cooperation,” a foreign ministry statement said on Friday. During the five-day visit the Nepalese delegation met experts and…

Swiss Politics

UN challenged over business ethics

This content was published on Jul 5, 2007 The appeal comes as around 1,000 leaders from the worlds of politics, business and civil society gather in Geneva for a two-day summit to review progress on the UN Global Compact. The voluntary initiative, which was launched seven years ago with a view to raising the bar on human rights, labour, the environment and fighting…

Swiss Politics

Embassy hosts Texan-style Independence Day

This content was published on Jul 4, 2007 A close friend of the US president, and like him a Texan, ambassador Peter Coneway wanted to give his guests a taste of his state: no less than 300 kilos of Texan beef had been specially imported for the occasion. In addition to the brisket – smoked for two days in Switzerland – 150 kilos…

Swiss Politics

Calmy-Rey urges action over poverty and hunger

This content was published on Jul 2, 2007 Speaking at the UN in Geneva on Monday, Micheline Calmy-Rey urged governments, multilateral agencies, civil society and the private sector to unite to lift millions out of poverty and hunger. “We already have the knowledge and the experience necessary to enable us to vanquish extreme poverty and hunger,” she said. “And we also have the…

Swiss Politics

Swiss ambassador in Washington is a busy man

This content was published on Jul 1, 2007 He told swissinfo that since taking office he had received five out of seven members of the Swiss cabinet, as well as two state secretaries, the president of the Swiss National Bank and other high-ranking officials. In the first two months of his stay in the United States capital, three major agreements were signed between…

Swiss Politics

Domestic violence faces tougher legislation

This content was published on Jun 30, 2007 But specialists are warning that while the new rules, which include the possibility of excluding violent partners from homes, represents major progress, it will not be effective unless the cantons are prepared to apply it fully. As of Sunday, victims of violence, threats or harassment will no longer have to leave their residence to protect…

Swiss Politics

Silent majority always wins Swiss ballots

This content was published on Jun 30, 2007 This practice of abstaining is in stark contrast to the traditional image of direct democracy where people participate actively in political decisions. Citizens in Switzerland can vote three to four times per year on a wide range of issues as part of their democratic rights. Ballots not only take place on a nationwide, but also…

Swiss Politics

Socialists tackle global issues in Geneva

This content was published on Jun 30, 2007 Around 400 left-leaning delegates are attending the session, which opened on Friday with an address from Swiss cabinet minister Moritz Leuenberger, a member of the centre-left Social Democratic Party. Among those taking part are leading players from the Middle East, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Lebanon’s Walid Jumblatt, leader of…

Swiss Politics

Poll confirms steady progress of Greens

This content was published on Jun 30, 2007 This is in contrast to leftwing and rightwing parties, which continue to lose votes, signalling the end to the polarisation that has marked the Swiss political landscape since 1995. The fourth election barometer carried out by the gfs.bern institute on behalf of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation – swissinfo’s parent company – shows that the Green…

Swiss Politics

Calmy-Rey says Switzerland is no “political dwarf”

This content was published on Jun 29, 2007 Calmy-Rey, who is also the foreign minister, said the country was pursuing an “active, coherent and successful” foreign policy and Swiss neutrality was enabling it to actively promote peace while safeguarding its own interests. “Switzerland talks with one voice abroad,” she said. She made the comments in Bern on Friday at a presentation of four…

Swiss Politics

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Nepal’s leaders take lessons in democracy

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UN challenged over business ethics

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Embassy hosts Texan-style Independence Day

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Calmy-Rey urges action over poverty and hunger

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Swiss ambassador in Washington is a busy man

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Domestic violence faces tougher legislation

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Silent majority always wins Swiss ballots

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Socialists tackle global issues in Geneva

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Poll confirms steady progress of Greens

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Calmy-Rey says Switzerland is no “political dwarf”

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