Swiss Politics Archives - Page 1218 of 1338

More

Swiss Politics

Africans blocked from attending Geneva forum

This content was published on Jul 19, 2002 The Swiss authorities were apparently concerned that some of the participants would try to remain in Switzerland illegally after the World Civil Society Forum. “Last week, we were receiving calls for help every two minutes. Delegates were stranded on the tarmac, clutching their air tickets,” says Sébastien Ziegler, the organiser of the forum. He believes…

More

Swiss Politics

Swiss-backed ceasefire keeps peace in Sudan

This content was published on Jul 19, 2002 The discussions between Danforth and Joseph Bucher, the former Swiss ambassador to Kenya and now Bern-based special envoy for conflict issues, focused on the hopes that an ongoing peace process in Sudan would continue. This is something Danforth said remained the primary concern of the US policy towards the Sudan. “The US is looking for…

More

Swiss Politics

Swiss make formal bid for UN membership

This content was published on Jul 18, 2002 After receiving the formal request for membership, Annan described Switzerland’s decision to join the UN as a “wonderful and wise decision”. His comments came after a closed door meeting in New York with Swiss ambassador to the UN, Jenö Staehelin, where the application was handed over. The application is little more than a formality, and…

More

Swiss Politics

Parliamentarians brave Britain’s political bear pit

This content was published on Jul 14, 2002 During their trip, the Swiss politicians were given a tour of Westminster and the House of Commons, with the highlight being a ringside seat during Prime Minister’s Question Time. “It was so fascinating to see how the House of Commons functions,” parliamentarian Kathy Riklin told swissinfo. “There is such a lively atmosphere during debates. The…

More

Swiss Politics

Government wants to improve health of immigrants

This content was published on Jul 14, 2002 The four-year programme, which will cost SFr26 million ($17.2 million), includes education of medical staff treating immigrant patients, as well as prevention projects and information campaigns. Part of the funds is also destined for special therapies, counselling services and research. The Federal Health Office said the programme aimed to boost integration and was in line…

More

Swiss Politics

Geneva forum aims to boost role of civil society

This content was published on Jul 14, 2002 The World Civil Society Forum runs until July 19, and has the backing of the Swiss government, the Geneva authorities, and several UN agencies. Up to 1,500 delegates – three-quarters of them from the developing world – have descended on Geneva’s International Conference Centre. As well as serious discussions on topics like the environment, health,…

More

Swiss Politics

Swiss open talks with EU on asylum and crime

This content was published on Jul 12, 2002 A statement by the Swiss justice ministry, released on Thursday, said Switzerland had emphasised its desire to join the agreements as part of a new round of bilateral treaties. “The Swiss delegation reiterated… that an association would be in the interests of both parties,” the statement said. Schengen would lead to the scrapping of border…

More

Swiss Politics

Switzerland’s image takes a fresh battering

This content was published on Jul 12, 2002 Friederich’s arrest on money laundering charges in Bern on Monday also comes at an awkward time for the Swiss government, which is coming under increasing pressure to relax its banking secrecy laws. Switzerland’s main French-language papers all reported Friederich’s arrest prominently, emphasising its potential impact on Swiss negotiations with the European Union. Le Temps headlined…

More

Swiss Politics

Swiss seek to join EU treaties on asylum and crime

This content was published on Jul 11, 2002 That is the message Monique Jametti Greiner, head of the Swiss delegation, is delivering to EU officials during the first round of negotiations on the Schengen and Dublin agreements, which the Swiss hope to join as part of a new round of bilateral treaties. “We will be negotiating from the principle that if we sign…

More

Swiss Politics

The government goes on holiday – together

This content was published on Jul 4, 2002 The five wise men and two equally wise women can relax on their annual two-day outing before heading off on their holidays. Every year the president invites cabinet colleagues on a “mystery tour” of sorts; mystery in the sense that the exact location remains a secret until the day of departure. But as it is…

Swiss Politics

Popular Stories

Most Discussed