Swiss Politics

Czech President Havel wraps up visit to Switzerland

This content was published on Jun 29, 2001 The meadow, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Switzerland, was the backdrop for speeches by both Havel and the Swiss president, Moritz Leuenberger. Havel, who has frequently declared himself “fascinated by places linked directly to the history of different countries”, specifically asked for a visit to the meadow to be included in his two-day itinerary.…

Swiss Politics

Czech President Havel praises Switzerland

This content was published on Jun 28, 2001 In a speech to cabinet members, Havel outlined the problems and issues facing Europe as it goes through a process of greater institutional, economic and political unification. He said Switzerland – whether it was a member of the European Union or not – could serve as an example for others because people of different traditions,…

Swiss Politics

UN membership is a must, say Swiss all-stars

This content was published on Jun 28, 2001 The group of about 20 personalities held a news conference in Bern to publicize the campaign for Switzerland joining the UN. The head of the Radical Party’s parliamentary group, Christine Beerli, said Swiss membership was long overdue, and would not compromise the country’s neutrality. She said the UN and Switzerland shared the same goals of…

Swiss Politics

Government calls for easing of citizenship laws

This content was published on Jun 28, 2001 The main points include giving automatic citizenship to so-called third generation foreigners, defined as children born in Switzerland to foreign parents, and easing the citizenship procedure for young foreigners who went to school in Switzerland. Other considerations include granting a right to appeal to immigrants who have had their citizenship requests rejected, lowering the fee…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland ready to begin new bilateral negotiations with EU

This content was published on Jun 27, 2001 The cabinet announcement follows Monday’s decision by the EU General Council to approve in principle negotiations on 10 designated issues. At the same time the Council instructed the European Commission to prepare mandates for opening talks with Switzerland on all the issues. The government said the EU decision was a green light to both parties.…

Swiss Politics

Swiss organise refugee march in gesture of solidarity

This content was published on Jun 22, 2001 The project, called “escapeto.ch”, was organised by the Swiss Refugee Council to give participants an insight into what it is like to flee one’s home country and seek asylum in another. Julien Jaeckle, project manager of escapeto.ch, told swissinfo that the refugees invited to take part had jumped at the opportunity. “We had no problem…

Swiss Politics

Senate votes for Swiss membership of UN

This content was published on Jun 21, 2001 The proposal to seek full UN membership was passed by the Senate with 37 against two votes from members of the rightwing Swiss People’s Party. During the wide-ranging debate, most speakers said Swiss membership of the UN was overdue and would not infringe Swiss neutrality and sovereignty. Beside the Vatican, Switzerland is the only state…

Swiss Politics

Parliament pushes for offensive against chemical weapons

This content was published on Jun 19, 2001 The House followed the Senate in approving government plans for greater Swiss involvement in implementing the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention. The proposal envisages making up to SFr50 million ($28 million) available over the next six to eight years to assist in the eradication of such weapons. Senators said Russia, in particular, would need help in…

Swiss Politics

Algeria seeks Swiss investment

This content was published on Jun 18, 2001 The delegation, headed by the president of Algeria’s National Assembly, Abdelhamid Si Afif, aims to build confidence in the country’s economy, which has been deteriorating since the insurgents began their campaign of terror in 1992. The Swiss ambassador to the North African state, André von Graffenreid, said: “This visit is an occasion to strengthen democracy…

Swiss Politics

“Respect” the watchword for refugee day

This content was published on Jun 16, 2001 To mark the anniversary, the Swiss Refugee Council chose a very unusual venue for refugee day: Zurich main station. The lofty passenger hall was decorated with balloons and banners reminding people that the key word for refugee day 2001 was “respect”. Around the hall there were also dozens of television screens, showing harrowing pictures of…

Swiss Politics

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Czech President Havel wraps up visit to Switzerland

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Czech President Havel praises Switzerland

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UN membership is a must, say Swiss all-stars

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Government calls for easing of citizenship laws

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Switzerland ready to begin new bilateral negotiations with EU

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Swiss organise refugee march in gesture of solidarity

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Senate votes for Swiss membership of UN

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Parliament pushes for offensive against chemical weapons

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Algeria seeks Swiss investment

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“Respect” the watchword for refugee day

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