Swiss Politics

Government hails UN victory

This content was published on Mar 3, 2002 However, opponents of UN membership said they were extremely disappointed, adding that they had been up against the concerted might of the government, media and the business community. The final result, which showed 55 per cent of voters in favour, means that the way is clear for Switzerland to take up its seat in the…

Geneva toasts Swiss decision to join UN

This content was published on Mar 3, 2002 The new Director General of the United Nations in Geneva, Sergei Ordzhonikidze, said the UN “welcomes the decision very warmly”. “This is an important event. The United Nations is now truly universal,” he told swissinfo. “Switzerland is a vivid example of peace, democracy, protection of human rights, the environment, development – exactly the values the…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland votes to join the world

This content was published on Mar 3, 2002 Sunday’s poll means that Switzerland is soon to become the 190th member of the UN – the last country bar the Vatican to join the world body. The UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, cheered the result saying it showed Switzerland’s commitment to the work and ideals of the UN. He added that Switzerland had long…

Swiss Politics

Swiss poised to vote yes to UN membership

This content was published on Mar 3, 2002 By early afternoon, exit polls showed 55 per cent popular support for UN membership, while among the cantons, the “yes” vote was ahead by a single canton. The vote is too close to call, but the no campaign – led by the rightwing populist Christoph Blocher – is seen as being on the defensive, unlike…

Swiss Politics

Cantons play decisive role in UN vote

This content was published on Mar 3, 2002 For Swiss membership of the UN to go ahead, a simple majority of the popular vote is not enough – a majority of Switzerland’s 26 cantons have to say yes as well. Campaigning in the swing cantons like Lucerne was especially intense, as both sides tried to mobilise every vote. In the end, the canton…

Swiss Politics

UN opponents fly the flag for neutrality

This content was published on Mar 3, 2002 Those campaigning for a “no” vote deny they are isolationist. They say Swiss neutrality – strictly interpreted – cannot survive UN membership because, by joining the organisation, Switzerland will inevitably lose its power to determine its relations with the rest of the world. “Switzerland’s strength lies in its independence and its openness to the outside…

Swiss Politics

Opinion: winning campaign loses the argument

This content was published on Mar 1, 2002 In the overseas press, Swiss politics are dismissed as parochial, irrelevant, dull and predictable. But there is nothing dull or predictable about the poster war now raging ahead of Sunday’s vote on UN membership. Even after 14 years as an observer of the Swiss scene, I would not bet on the outcome. There’s no doubt…

Swiss Politics

Business backs UN membership

This content was published on Mar 1, 2002 Supporters of UN membership include the Swiss Business Federation (Economiesuisse), the Swiss Employers’ Association and the Swiss Association of Commercial Employees. Under the umbrella of the Swiss Business Federation, most of the country’s biggest companies such as UBS, Novartis and Nestlé urged people to vote “yes”. However, this has not always been the case. The…

Petrovsky says adieu as Swiss head to polls

This content was published on Feb 28, 2002 Speaking to swissinfo ahead of Sunday’s vote on joining the UN, Petrovsky said Switzerland could lead by example as a member. “Switzerland has developed as a multi-cultural, democratic country, which is based on a certain moral and ethical values. This is exactly the kind of example we need in the United Nations,” Petrovsky said. “It…

Swiss Politics

Government throws weight behind Euro 2008 bid

This content was published on Feb 27, 2002 The cabinet earmarked a total of SFr3.5 million ($2.1 million) for infrastructure and security at four football stadiums. Part of the funds is also destined for a national sports awareness campaign and for services provided by the armed forces, mainly to back up police and for transport. The cabinet made its contribution dependent on a…

Swiss Politics

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Government hails UN victory

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Geneva toasts Swiss decision to join UN

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Switzerland votes to join the world

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Swiss poised to vote yes to UN membership

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Cantons play decisive role in UN vote

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UN opponents fly the flag for neutrality

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Opinion: winning campaign loses the argument

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Business backs UN membership

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Petrovsky says adieu as Swiss head to polls

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Government throws weight behind Euro 2008 bid

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