Swiss Politics

Aviation deal fails to get off the ground

This content was published on Feb 20, 2003 A Senate commission said the agreement – which limits flights into Switzerland’s main airport at Zurich – gave too much away. The Senate is likely to follow the commission’s advice by refusing to ratify the deal during the March parliamentary session. The commission urged the Senate, by 8 votes to 3, to scuttle the agreement.…

Swiss Politics

Swiss mark signing of landmark act with Napoleon

This content was published on Feb 20, 2003 The Act of Mediation, signed on February 19, 1803, returned to the Swiss a greater degree of cantonal rule while ensuring France still had overall power. The turn of the 18th century was a tumultuous time for Switzerland. French troops invaded Switzerland in 1798 and within weeks Napoleon promulgated a new constitution intended to replace…

Swiss Politics

Magglingen declares sporting vision

This content was published on Feb 18, 2003 The proposals, based on three days of discussion at the Swiss federal office for sport in Magglingen, will be presented to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the end of March. As Annan’s Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace, former Swiss sports minister Adolf Ogi presented the two documents on Tuesday, urging delegates…

Swiss Politics

Swiss firm helped build Saddam’s bunkers

This content was published on Feb 17, 2003 One is located directly under the headquarters of Saddam Hussein’s ruling Ba’ath party. The Iraqi regime decided in the 1980s to take advantage of Switzerland’s expertise in constructing underground safe havens. The Swiss Alps contain a network of underground bunkers – built during the Cold War – large enough to house the entire population. Zellweger…

Swiss Politics

Swiss declare Iraq conference a success

This content was published on Feb 16, 2003 Officials added though that funding for assistance projects remains scarce. The meeting, which ended on Sunday in Geneva, brought together 21 aid agencies and 29 countries to discuss humanitarian assistance to Iraq in the event of war. The Iraqis themselves were not invited, while the United States, who is spearheading war preparations declined to attend,…

Swiss Politics

Thousands join anti-war protest in Bern

This content was published on Feb 15, 2003 Organised by anti-war groups, the rally – one of the biggest ever in Switzerland – coincided with similar demonstrations across Europe and the rest of the world. Political parties such as the Social Democrats and the Greens, as well as trade unions and aid organisations, such as Heks and Caritas, joined the protest. People from…

Swiss Politics

Bern builds new bridges with Washington

This content was published on Feb 13, 2003 The announcement follows the inaugural meeting between the “Friends of Switzerland Caucus” – made up of 16 US congressmen and women – and the Swiss-US parliamentary association. At the meeting in Washington on Wednesday, members of both groups spoke of the need to develop improved contacts and lines of communication. The Swiss hope that stronger…

Swiss Politics

Swiss to deploy 4,500 troops to secure G-8 summit

This content was published on Feb 13, 2003 The Swiss president, Pascal Couchepin, is to hold talks with President Bush on the first day of the meeting. Couchepin’s office confirmed the meeting with Bush a day after the government announced the mobilisation, which will be the largest ever in Switzerland for an operation of this kind. The summit is due to take place…

Swiss Politics

Swiss say “yes” to more voting rights

This content was published on Feb 9, 2003 A clear majority of voters – 70.3 per cent – said “yes” to the introduction of a General People’s Initiative, although turnout was low at just 28 per cent. The proposals were backed by the government and parliament and they convincingly won the so-called “double majority” necessary to be adopted – a majority among the…

Swiss Politics

US declines Swiss aid conference invite

This content was published on Feb 9, 2003 However, Calmy-Rey received a boost on Tuesday when two key humanitarian players confirmed that they would be attending the conference. The news that the United States will not be present at the meeting – slated to take place this weekend in Geneva – is a setback for Calmy-Rey. She is also facing the prospect of…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Aviation deal fails to get off the ground

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Swiss mark signing of landmark act with Napoleon

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Magglingen declares sporting vision

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Swiss firm helped build Saddam’s bunkers

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Swiss declare Iraq conference a success

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Thousands join anti-war protest in Bern

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Bern builds new bridges with Washington

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Swiss to deploy 4,500 troops to secure G-8 summit

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Swiss say “yes” to more voting rights

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US declines Swiss aid conference invite

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