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Couchepin says acceptance of bilaterals not yet secured

This content was published on May 8, 2000 Couchepin was speaking in Milan to the general assembly of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Italy. He said the danger came not from debate, but from its absence,”from silence and unjustified fears.” “The government has said time and time again with one voice that the result of the vote, even if there is a…

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Swiss grow wary of bilateral accords as voting day looms

This content was published on May 8, 2000 On May 21, Swiss voters will cast their ballots on a series of seven bilateral accords with the European Union, ranging from issues such as transport to the free movement of people. The latest opinion poll by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation’s German-speaking television station, DRS, found that support for the accords has fallen by nine…

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News review

This content was published on May 6, 2000 But, more than 15,000 people who fled the conflict in Kosovo last year will face forcible repatriatons from next month. Twice as many people have already returned under a programme funded by the government. Human rights and trade issues were on the agenda of a visit to Tunis this week by the Swiss foreign minister,…

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Swiss president renews call for supporting bilaterals with EU

This content was published on May 5, 2000 Ogi took the opportunity to argue in favour of a “yes” vote for the bilateral treaties with the EU, when they come to a nationwide referendum on May 21. He said that Switzerland could strengthen its position in Europe by agreeing to the bilaterals. But the Swiss president also said Switzerland’s relations with Europe should…

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Swiss Politics

UN warns of dangers of Kosovo repatriations

This content was published on May 5, 2000 The warning comes a day after the Swiss authorities confirmed they would begin the forcible repatriation of 16,500 people next month. A spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said the agency feared that the influx would increase pressure on the non-Albanian minorities in Kosovo to leave the province. He added that, in…

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Swiss Politics

Switzerland extends deadline for return of Kosovo minorities

This content was published on May 4, 2000 The decision to extend the deadline until August 31 was agreed at a national asylum conference between federal and cantonal officials. It applies mainly to Roma and Serb asylum seekers. The justice minister, Ruth Metzler, said the delay was a precautionary measure. “Although we don’t think they face serious danger, the possibility of these groups…

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Swiss Politics

Deadline extended for repatriation of Kosovo minorities

This content was published on May 4, 2000 The justice ministry said refugees of Romany or Turkish origin, or any other minority could now have until August 31 to leave the country, instead of May 31. The extension also includes school students, who enrolled before September 1999. Thursday’s decision to extend the deadline in certain cases follows a national conference on asylum policy.…

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Swiss Politics

European Parliament backs key treaties with Switzerland

This content was published on May 4, 2000 The accords were approved without any opposition during a session of the parliament in Brussels on Thursday. Addressing the assembly, the EU’s foreign affairs commissioner, Chris Patten, said the treaties were a milestone in relations with Switzerland. “The agreements are very important. They do unblock the stalemate in the relations with one of our closest…

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Swiss Politics

European Parliament ratifies key treaties with Switzerland

This content was published on May 4, 2000 Brussels correspondent, Regula Schmid, says the ratification on Thursday was seen as the best possible solution to the question of Switzerland’s relationship to the EU. “Everyone understands that having Switzerland in the middle of Europe being isolated, is just no way forward. So, having noticed that Switzerland does not want to become a member yet,…

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Swiss Politics

European Parliament votes on bilateral accords

This content was published on May 4, 2000 Analysts are predicting an easy passage for the seven accords, which cover issues ranging from agriculture to transport and the free movement of people. The debate in the European Parliament was sparsely attended, with only 15 of the 600 deputies taking part in Wednesday’s discussions. However, all speakers called for approval of the treaty. One…

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