Swiss Politics

Ex-diplomat optimistic about Nepal’s future

This content was published on Nov 24, 2004 Annemarie Spahr, who lived and worked in the capital Kathmandu for more than 30 years, told swissinfo that in some areas government forces and Maoists were able to co-exist peacefully. In the latest violence, ten Nepalese troops were killed in an ambush by Maoist rebels northeast of the capital, Kathmandu, on Sunday. The attack, which…

Swiss Politics

Summit puts spotlight on landmines

This content was published on Nov 24, 2004 Switzerland is home to many anti-mine organisations and has long been involved in the fight to ban these deadly weapons. The state secretary for foreign affairs, Franz von Däniken, is representing Switzerland at the talks, which are expected to focus on stepping up demining efforts and stockpile destruction. The week-long meeting, which began on Monday,…

Swiss Politics

Presidents praise trilateral talks

This content was published on Nov 20, 2004 In the first such meeting of its kind, they discussed relations between Switzerland and the European Union, as well as domestic and international issues. During the talks, the Swiss president, Joseph Deiss, explained the consequences of the extension of the accord between Bern and Brussels on the free movement of people, with a possible popular…

Swiss Politics

Civil protection celebrates half century

This content was published on Nov 20, 2004 About 95 per cent of the population could now find room in an anti-nuclear shelter and in case of emergency quickly find shelter there. Schmid was speaking in Bern at celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Swiss Union for Civil Protection, which was set up during the Cold War. But half a century…

Swiss Politics

Diplomat calls for closer ties with EU

This content was published on Nov 19, 2004 Dante Martinelli, who has spent the past five years in Brussels as head of the Swiss Mission to the EU, told swissinfo the momentum must be sustained. Martinelli, who has just stepped down from his post in Brussels, conceded that the bilateral route was not easy. But he said this was the approach to the…

Swiss Politics

Political reforms give voters a headache

This content was published on Nov 19, 2004 But the complexity of the issues at stake on November 28 appears to have overwhelmed many voters. The reforms are aimed at redefining who is responsible for a wide range of policy areas, including social security, welfare, education, transport, environment and culture. At stake is a total of SFr17 billion ($14.5 billion) in annual subsidies…

Swiss Politics

Women victims demand a role in peace making

This content was published on Nov 19, 2004 The meeting is being held in conjunction with the Suzanne Mubarak foundation, the first movement of its kind from the Middle East that is devoted to women and peace. The three-day “Women Defending Peace” conference started on Monday at the International Labour Organization in Geneva. It brings together more than 350 international delegates, including those…

Swiss Politics

Campaigners take aim at Sunday shopping

This content was published on Nov 18, 2004 A coalition of trade unions, consumer organisations, shopkeepers and churches has started a petition to force a nationwide vote on the issue. Presenting its case to the media in Bern on Thursday, campaigners said allowing shops at major railway stations and airports to remain open on Sundays would neither increase sales nor bring any benefits…

Swiss Politics

Stem-cell vote hangs in the balance

This content was published on Nov 17, 2004 Only a slight majority now say they are in favour of the controversial research, which is opposed by right-to-life groups and some sections of the Left. The survey, the second and last ahead of the vote on November 28, was conducted by the GfS Bern polling and research institute, on behalf of the Swiss Broadcasting…

Swiss Politics

Career soldiers set to face new contract terms

This content was published on Nov 14, 2004 But the ministry does not see the move as an obligation for soldiers to serve abroad. It rather views it as a way of allowing those who want to serve abroad to carry out foreign missions. “The employee declares that he is willing to take part in short or long-term operations (for example, peacekeeping service),…

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Ex-diplomat optimistic about Nepal’s future

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Summit puts spotlight on landmines

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Presidents praise trilateral talks

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Civil protection celebrates half century

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Diplomat calls for closer ties with EU

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Political reforms give voters a headache

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Women victims demand a role in peace making

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Campaigners take aim at Sunday shopping

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Stem-cell vote hangs in the balance

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Career soldiers set to face new contract terms

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