Swiss Politics

Committees warn against “no” to labour accord

This content was published on Aug 11, 2005 The vote on extending the free circulation of people to the ten new members of the EU is to be held on September 25. A committee representing the Left and Greens on Thursday said a “yes” vote would encourage an opening of Switzerland to Europe and would also protect salary levels. But it also called…

Swiss Politics

Vote on opening labour market remains close

This content was published on Aug 11, 2005 The latest poll by the Bern-based Gfs Institute, carried out on behalf of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation – swissinfo’s parent company – found 43 per cent in favour and 40 per cent against the accord. The survey, released on Friday, found that 17 per cent of voters were still undecided. The vote is set for…

Swiss Politics

Most Swiss are pro-Rütli anti-extremists

This content was published on Aug 7, 2005 Hans-Jürg Fehr, president of the centre-left Social Democratic Party, said Justice Minister Christoph Blocher from the rightwing Swiss People’s Party had to take some of the blame. Eighty-three per cent of Swiss thought extremists had spoilt the traditional celebrations on the Rütli meadow, according to a poll published in the SonntagsBlick newspaper. But 88 per…

Swiss Politics

Geneva to honour Swiss Hiroshima doctor

This content was published on Aug 5, 2005 The Japanese, who marked the Hiroshima anniversary on Saturday, have been honouring the pioneering International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegate for 15 years. Geneva is to commemorate Junod, who was the head of the ICRC delegation to Japan in 1945, for the first time on September 13. The ceremony will include the unveiling…

Swiss Politics

Serbs give Swiss dressing down over Kosovo

This content was published on Aug 3, 2005 But Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey’s diplomatic adviser told swissinfo that the policy – a push for a form of independence for the province – would not change. A diplomatic row broke out after the foreign ministry in Belgrade lodged an official protest against what it considered to be inappropriate comments made by Calmy-Rey during…

Swiss Politics

Kosovo talks “no triumph” for Swiss diplomacy

This content was published on Aug 2, 2005 In an interview with swissinfo, Andre Liebich said the Swiss foreign minister was jeopardising Switzerland’s neutral role by pushing for a form of independence for the province. He was speaking as Calmy-Rey wrapped up a four-day tour of Kosovo, during which she held talks with President Ibrahim Rugova and Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi. Her trip…

Swiss Politics

Schmid praises Swiss ‘success story’

This content was published on Aug 2, 2005 Schmid’s speech, recorded last Tuesday, was broadcast on August 1 from the Federal Sport Office high up in the Jura above Lake Biel. “Sport helps us to overcome our inhibitions and to move fictitious borders,” said Schmid, who is also minister for sport. “The story of Switzerland is a success story,” he said. “That such…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland enjoys the highs of August 1

This content was published on Aug 1, 2005 From Kosovo Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey made a plea for liberty and justice, but Swiss President Samuel Schmid was heckled during his speech and left early. Deiss was the topographical, if not political, highlight of the day: he had spent six-and-a-half hours climbing to the Dufourspitze, the highest point in Switzerland. The 59-year-old was celebrating…

Swiss Politics

Demolitions in Zimbabwe hamper Swiss aid work

This content was published on Jul 29, 2005 On Thursday Harare said that the demolitions, which razed several townships to the ground, had come to an end. But the United Nations estimates that the operation has left about 700,000 people without homes. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has channelled emergency cash reserves into Zimbabwe to help people affected by the…

Swiss Politics

Calmy-Rey defends Swiss position on Kosovo

This content was published on Jul 29, 2005 But in an interview with swissinfo, Micheline Calmy-Rey stressed that a decision on Kosovo’s future status could only be taken with the support of the government in Belgrade. Calmy-Rey’s visit – which gets underway on Saturday – comes at a sensitive time for Swiss relations with Serbia and Montenegro. Last month Serbian President Boris Tadic…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Committees warn against “no” to labour accord

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Vote on opening labour market remains close

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Most Swiss are pro-Rütli anti-extremists

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Geneva to honour Swiss Hiroshima doctor

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Serbs give Swiss dressing down over Kosovo

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Kosovo talks “no triumph” for Swiss diplomacy

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Schmid praises Swiss ‘success story’

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Switzerland enjoys the highs of August 1

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Demolitions in Zimbabwe hamper Swiss aid work

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Calmy-Rey defends Swiss position on Kosovo

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