Swiss Politics

“Opponents of Schengen are spreading fear”

This content was published on May 2, 2005 But in an interview with swissinfo, Micheline Calmy-Rey said she was confident of winning support for the Schengen/Dublin accords when they are put to a vote on June 5. Schengen/Dublin governs closer cooperation with the EU on crime and asylum. The treaties form part of a second set of bilateral accords signed between Bern and…

Swiss Politics

UN requests Swiss help in Hariri investigation

This content was published on Apr 30, 2005 Five Swiss experts took part in the first UN inquiry in March. Hariri was killed by a car bomb in Beirut on February 14. The foreign ministry said the request had been received on Saturday and was being considered. “The foreign ministry will discuss this request over the next few days with the departments concerned,”…

Swiss Politics

Government attacked over Schengen campaign

This content was published on Apr 30, 2005 The Campaign for an Independent and Neutral Switzerland (CINS) on Saturday demanded that the government stop its pro-European “propaganda” and refrain from “muzzling” opponents. The group held its annual meeting in Bern five weeks before the June 5 nationwide referendum on Swiss adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements. On Friday the latest opinion poll…

Swiss Politics

Far-right party makes political breakthrough

This content was published on Apr 29, 2005 The surprise election of teenager X* to the government of the commune of Günsberg in northern Switzerland has caused widespread dismay. But, at least for one political observer, the election should not be seen as a cause for alarm. X, who represents the Party of Nationally Orientated Swiss (PNOS), gained 21% of the vote in the…

Swiss Politics

Voters lean towards “yes” on Schengen

This content was published on Apr 29, 2005 The latest poll by the Bern-based Gfs Institute, carried out on behalf of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, found that 62 per cent would back the accords if the vote were held today. The Swiss electorate will decide on the issue on June 5, as well as a new partnership law for gays and lesbians. The…

Swiss Politics

Swiss give thumbs up to Schengen/Dublin

This content was published on Apr 29, 2005 swissinfo looks at the arguments for and against, and explores the likely implications for Switzerland.

Swiss Politics

Two-decade fight for neutrality goes on

This content was published on Apr 29, 2005 The Campaign for an Independent and Neutral Switzerland (CINS) held its 20th annual meeting in Bern on Saturday. Top of the agenda at the weekend meeting was the group’s opposition to the Schengen/Dublin accords governing closer cooperation with the European Union on asylum and crime. The Swiss will decide whether the country should sign up…

Swiss Politics

Swiss shooters target Schengen accord

This content was published on Apr 29, 2005 Geared to improve cross-border security, the European Union agreement also lays down minimum requirements for acquiring and possessing firearms. “The Swiss are well armed and enjoy great freedom,” wrote Machiavelli in 1532. Many Swiss today see a causal connection between the two, with three million firearms in private hands. And when they realised that a…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland backs enlarged Security Council

This content was published on Apr 27, 2005 Peter Maurer, Swiss ambassador to the world body in New York, said the emphasis in the current UN reform debate should be on implementation of the goals set out in the Millennium Declaration adopted by all member states in 2000. These include eradication of poverty and hunger, primary education for all and promoting equality between…

Swiss Politics

Migrants in Switzerland demand a say

This content was published on Apr 27, 2005 That is the message they will be conveying at the first national conference of the Forum for the Integration of Migrants in Olten on Saturday. “We talk a lot about migrants, but rarely talk to them,” says Claudio Micheloni, the forum’s secretary-general. “We’ve had enough of just being objects of conversation. We want to show…

Swiss Politics

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“Opponents of Schengen are spreading fear”

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UN requests Swiss help in Hariri investigation

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Government attacked over Schengen campaign

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Far-right party makes political breakthrough

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Voters lean towards “yes” on Schengen

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Swiss give thumbs up to Schengen/Dublin

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Two-decade fight for neutrality goes on

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Swiss shooters target Schengen accord

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Switzerland backs enlarged Security Council

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Migrants in Switzerland demand a say

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