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Swiss Politics

Cabinet unveils new treaties

This content was published on May 17, 2001 Three other issues, including tax evasion and closer security cooperation, have been put on the backburner. A cabinet spokesman said in Bern on Thursday these issues would need further preparatory talks. The mandates for the latest round of bilateral treaties, which still have to be presented to parliament’s foreign affairs committees, will be formally adopted…

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Swiss politicians on charm offensive in Europe

This content was published on May 16, 2001 The delegation of four parliamentary deputies were in Paris on Wednesday for talks with members of the French Parliament, the Assemblée Nationale. Other delegations are to travel to Berlin and Vienna in the coming weeks, and to Brussels after the summer break. There is no set agenda for what Anton Cottier, a senator and member…

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Head of Christian Democratic Party steps down

This content was published on May 12, 2001 In his departure speech at the delegates’ assembly in Wil on Friday, Durrer regretted the party had again lost votes during the last Federal elections. Durrer pointed out that the party had failed to come up with key dossiers which would have distinguished it from other political groups. He also urged that members should strive…

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Swiss president opens new embassy in Berlin

This content was published on May 11, 2001 Opening the embassy on Friday, Leuenberger spoke of Switzerland’s and Germany’s shared goal of preserving peace and security in Europe. He added that the embassy building, located near the new German chancellery and parliament, was a symbol of two countries’ close ties. Among the guests at the lavish ceremony was Shawne Fielding, the wife of…

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Swiss Politics

Controversial new Swiss embassy opens in Berlin

This content was published on May 11, 2001 About 200 guests, including the Swiss president, Moritz Leuenberger, are attending the opening party. Many eyes, however, will also be on Shawne Fielding, wife of ambassador Thomas Borer. Her revealing pictures for a German magazine last week caused a storm, and initial doubts whether she would be allowed to attend the event. She confirmed her…

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Swiss Politics

Bern’s Burghers still thriving after 800 years

This content was published on May 11, 2001 The “Bürgergemeinden” – called “Patriziate” in Ticino and “Bourgeoisie” in Valais – are legally incorporated entities, often dating back to the Middle Ages. Over the centuries their members acquired power, wealth and influence. Today, although they no longer rule their communities, their wealth and influence remain. In rural areas these associations often began with groups…

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Russians return blocked Swiss military equipment

This content was published on May 10, 2001 The convoy, carrying 50 small Pinzgauer trucks, was stopped by the Russians near the Azerbaijan border in September. Another transport destined for Georgia, which was held up near the Ukraine border, had 27 tonnes of items such as old winter uniforms and sanitary equipment. It was released by the Russians last month. The Russians complained…

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Swiss Politics

Former Swiss state secretary dies

This content was published on May 10, 2001 Probst was in favour of an active and pragmatic foreign policy, and an advocate of United Nations membership. Probst was born in 1919 in Geneva, and was then brought up in Biel and Latvia, where his father worked for the Swiss watch industry. After obtaining a doctorate in law at the University of Bern, Probst…

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Swiss Politics

New old age pension scheme squeaks through parliament

This content was published on May 9, 2001 In the final vote on the law, 62 members voted in favour, 60 against and there were 63 abstentions. Analysts said few of the parties were satisfied with the result. The interior minister, Ruth Dreifuss, said she did not wish to dramatise the result of the vote. “It’s a tactical vote, we all wanted to…

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Affolter to give controversial bonus to charity

This content was published on May 6, 2001 In an interview with the SonntagsZeitung newspaper, Affotler said he would be donating his bonus to the charity SOS Children’s Villages, which cares for orphans. “I have been in contact with SOS Children’s Villages for several months and I have announced a major donation,” he revealed. News of Affolter’s charitable act added a fresh twist…

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