Swiss Politics

Parliament tackles citizenship

This content was published on Jun 22, 2002 They include granting automatic citizenship to foreigners born in Switzerland, as long as one of their parents has spent at least five years in the country and has a valid residency permit. The procedure for becoming a Swiss citizen would also be made easier for young foreigners who have been to school in Switzerland for…

Swiss Politics

German parliament throws out aviation deal

This content was published on Jun 21, 2002 The German Upper House of Parliament, the Bundesrat, on Friday refused to ratify the air transport accord, aimed at ending a long-running dispute over noise pollution. Representatives of the opposition Christian Democratic Union said the treaty conceded too much ground to Switzerland and put the main burden on the population of southern Germany. Residents have…

Swiss Politics

Swiss MPs get more cash but no Moneypenny

This content was published on Jun 21, 2002 Following several inconclusive debates in the House of Representatives and the Senate, parliament on Thursday finally decided against introducing a system of state-funded parliamentary aides. Under the proposal, MPs would have been given SFr40,000 ($26,100) a year to hire personal secretaries for their parliamentary office. But opponents argued that this would cost too much and…

Swiss Politics

Swiss Alps conference agrees mountain strategy

This content was published on Jun 20, 2002 Four days of negotiations in the Swiss resort of Adelboden resulted in a series of recommendations to promote and incorporate sustainable mountain development at the national and international level. “With this initiative, we have brought together all the stakeholders,” said Manfred Boetsch, director of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture. “In terms of bringing it…

Swiss Politics

Swiss Euro 2008 bid handed cash boost

This content was published on Jun 20, 2002 The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted for a credit worth SFr3.5 million ($2.1 million) to cover infrastructure and security costs at four football stadiums in Switzerland. The Senate still has to approve the financial package. Part of the money has been earmarked for a national sports awareness campaign and for services provided by…

Swiss Politics

Germany strikes back over air deal

This content was published on Jun 20, 2002 Berlin said it was disappointed that parliament voted not to ratify the agreement. “The House of Representatives’ refusal to accept the deal is regrettable because it was a fair compromise for both parties,” said Kurt Bodewig, Germany’s transport minister. The German transport ministry warned that any new agreement would carry stricter conditions than the accord…

Swiss Politics

Swiss reject aviation deal with Germany

This content was published on Jun 19, 2002 The House of Representatives discussed the agreement on Wednesday. But a broad alliance of opponents argued the deal, reached between the Swiss transport minister, Moritz Leuenberger, and his German counterpart, Kurt Bodewig, would jeopardise the future of Switzerland’s main airport of Zurich. Under the accord, struck last October, both sides agreed to cut by a…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland submits human rights proposals to Arab League

This content was published on Jun 18, 2002 The aim of the proposals, delivered this week in Egypt to the head of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, is to ensure the protection of Israeli and Palestinian civilians caught up in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Blaise Godet, head of the Swiss foreign ministry’s political affairs division, held talks with Moussa during a visit…

Swiss Politics

Swiss mark national refugee day

This content was published on Jun 15, 2002 Organisers of the event said the choice of venue – Rütli is the place where Switzerland’s forefathers founded the Swiss Confederation in 1291 – was intended as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the country’s refugee community. “The Rütli is the central heart of Switzerland and has a very important meaning to all Swiss,” said…

Swiss Politics

Hungary recalls Bern ambassador

This content was published on Jun 15, 2002 The Hungarian foreign ministry said Schmitt was asked to step aside when he announced he would not be able to pursue his diplomatic mission because of his nomination as a candidate for the mayor’s job. “We found out about his political activities via the media,” said Tamas Toth, a Hungarian foreign ministry spokesman. “The civil…

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Swiss Politics

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Parliament tackles citizenship

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German parliament throws out aviation deal

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Swiss MPs get more cash but no Moneypenny

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Swiss Alps conference agrees mountain strategy

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Swiss Euro 2008 bid handed cash boost

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Germany strikes back over air deal

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Swiss reject aviation deal with Germany

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Switzerland submits human rights proposals to Arab League

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Swiss mark national refugee day

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Hungary recalls Bern ambassador

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