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Swiss Politics

ElBaradei wins Nobel Peace Prize

This content was published on Oct 7, 2005 Initiators of a Swiss project to nominate 1,000 women for the Nobel Peace Prize congratulated ElBaradei but said they were disappointed not to win. The Nobel committee said on Friday that it recognised ElBaradei and the IAEA’s “efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for…

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Tanks-for-Iraq deal cancelled

This content was published on Oct 5, 2005 The Swiss authorities said the UAE had officially withdrawn its request to buy the used military vehicles, which were destined for Iraq. Reports that the country had cancelled its bid for the carriers were confirmed by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) on Wednesday. The UAE authorities argued they could no longer wait for…

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Swiss Politics

Swiss could benefit from Turkey talks with EU

This content was published on Oct 4, 2005 Following the official decision to proceed with talks, reactions have generally been positive, including those of the sometimes critical Swiss media. Commercial and economic ties could be stimulated, while political and cultural exchanges are expected to intensify. “What holds true for Europe is also valid for Switzerland,” said the Swiss ambassador to Turkey, Walter Gyger.…

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Swiss Politics

Courts keep sway over citizenship decisions

This content was published on Oct 3, 2005 The House of Representatives voted against the idea on Monday, arguing that it went against anti-discrimination laws enshrined in the constitution. The proposal challenged a 2003 Federal Court ruling on Switzerland’s citizenship procedure, which effectively meant that citizenship requests could not be decided at the ballot box, by parliaments or other assemblies. The judges said…

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Swiss Politics

Blocher proposes apprenticeships for refugees

This content was published on Oct 2, 2005 The Swiss Refugee Council reacted positively to the suggestion, which comes after parliament voted in favour of tightening asylum legislation. In an interview published in two Sunday newspapers, Blocher pointed out that only 23 per cent of people living in Switzerland with official refugee status and who are able to work are gainfully employed. “It…

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Swiss Politics

Swiss soldiers “valued” in Kosovo

This content was published on Oct 2, 2005 Brunetti, who has spent six months in charge of a 220-strong Swisscoy contingent, said the Swiss soldiers played a vital role in bringing stability to the region. swissinfo: In a few days, you will return to Switzerland with the 12th Swisscoy contingent after a tour of duty – how did it go? Stefano Brunetti: It…

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Swiss Politics

NGOs sound alarm over information summit

This content was published on Sep 30, 2005 Wolf Ludwig, a spokesman for Swiss non-governmental organisations, says participants from civil society have been sidelined, and are considering a boycott of the UN-sponsored event, which is to take place in Tunisia. In comparison with other UN conferences, the WSIS was to have been more innovative in its approach, enabling NGOs to work closely with…

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Swiss Politics

Kosovo remains peacekeepers’ testing ground

This content was published on Sep 30, 2005 swissinfo found the soldiers carrying out armed patrols as well as concentrating on providing logistical support. An armoured personnel carrier follows closely behind a four-wheel-drive vehicle. But before heading out on patrol, the Swiss troops have to get past the military camp checkpoint, manned by Austrian soldiers. The guards meticulously check to ensure the Swiss…

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Swiss Politics

EU won’t be drawn on Swiss membership issue

This content was published on Sep 26, 2005 The European Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said it was up to the Swiss to decide whether to continue with the bilateral approach or to become an EU member. She is due to meet Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey in Strasbourg on Tuesday. Diana Wallis, who heads the EU parliamentary delegation responsible for Swiss…

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Swiss Politics

Expert calls for conditional EU membership

This content was published on Sep 26, 2005 Schwok says he thinks the decision to extend the free movement of people treaty to the ten new member states will not lead to major changes in Swiss-EU relations over the next decade. Schwok, a professor at Geneva University’s Graduate Institute of European Studies, has been a long-time observer of Switzerland’s political scene. swissinfo: Is…

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