Swiss Politics

Iraqi diplomat sees hope in new constitution

This content was published on Oct 13, 2005 But Baha Al-Shibib cautions that success in Saturday’s referendum would still leave his country facing a long and difficult journey towards peace and stability. swissinfo: How confident are you that the draft constitution will be accepted? Baha Al-Shibib: I have no doubt that the constitution is going to be adopted by a good majority, because…

Swiss Politics

North Korean policy shift worries Swiss

This content was published on Oct 11, 2005 The Swiss official with special responsibility for North Korea feels the phasing out of humanitarian aid is happening too quickly and may leave vulnerable groups exposed. North Korea, with its population of 22 million, has relied on foreign assistance since natural disasters and mismanagement caused its economy to collapse in the mid-1990s. The communist regime…

Swiss Politics

Swiss sceptical of “marriage of convenience”

This content was published on Oct 11, 2005 Initial press reactions are unanimous in seeing difficulties in the recently negotiated coalition government as well as political reforms. Three weeks after voters gave Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) an unexpectedly narrow win over Gerhard Schröder’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) in a federal election, an agreement has been struck that sets the stage for a…

Swiss Politics

Far-left parties get boot in Geneva elections

This content was published on Oct 10, 2005 But the vote was so tight that ballots are being recounted and Sunday’s results could be overturned. The big winner was the rightwing Geneva Citizens’ Movement (GCM), which gained more than 7.7 per cent of the vote. The party, which was created only three months ago by dissidents from the rightwing Swiss People’s Party, can…

Swiss Politics

Annan backs Geneva to host human rights body

This content was published on Oct 7, 2005 After meeting Swiss government members in Bern, Annan praised Switzerland’s role at the UN and its interest in reform of the organization. The Human Rights Council is designed to replace the much criticized UN Commission on Human Rights, which is based in Geneva. “The Human Rights Council will certainly come to Geneva,” Annan told journalists.…

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…

Swiss Politics

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…

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.…

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…

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…

Swiss Politics

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Sign in and personalize Swissinfo

Swiss Politics

More

Iraqi diplomat sees hope in new constitution

More

North Korean policy shift worries Swiss

More

Swiss sceptical of “marriage of convenience”

More

Far-left parties get boot in Geneva elections

More

Annan backs Geneva to host human rights body

More

ElBaradei wins Nobel Peace Prize

More

Tanks-for-Iraq deal cancelled

More

Swiss could benefit from Turkey talks with EU

More

Courts keep sway over citizenship decisions

More

Blocher proposes apprenticeships for refugees

Popular Stories

Most Discussed