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European Parliament to vote on bilateral treaties with Switzerland

This content was published on May 3, 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. It follows a recommendation last month by a key parliamentary commission for a yes vote. The commission for industry and external trade highlighted the mutual economic benefits of the accords. It…

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National conference to discuss Kosovo repatriation

This content was published on May 3, 2000 The head of the Federal Refugee Office, Jean-Daniel Gerber, said he was optimistic an agreement would be reached. He said most cantons had already approved the proposals put forward by the federal authorities. Gerber said differences remained on three issues: the repatriation of people from minorities in Kosovo (Serbs, Gypsies and Kosovars of Turkish origin),…

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Deiss raises human rights concerns in Tunisia

This content was published on May 2, 2000 A spokeswoman for Deiss said he raised the issue in talks with his Tunisian counterpart, Habib Ben Yahia, on Tuesday and specifically mentioned the case of Taoufik Ben Brick, a journalist who has been on hunger strike to protest against restrictions on press freedom in Tunisia. The spokeswoman, Monika Schmutz, said Deiss “asked the Tunisian…

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Adolf Ogi previews army reforms

This content was published on May 2, 2000 The new army is due to be cut from a 360,000-strong force at present, to 200,000 soldiers. Conscription will be retained, but new service models such as reservists, and fixed term soldiers are proposed. Ogi’s blueprint is not new, even though it has yet to be finalised, and voters will have the last word in…

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Deiss affirms Swiss commitment to Tanzania

This content was published on May 1, 2000 Deiss had encouraging words for his Tanzanian counterpart at their meeting in Berne. He described Tanzania as “a haven of peace and stability”, and said there were no bilateral problems between the two countries. He said Switzerland would continue to work closely with Tanzania to promote peace in the region, and to try and resolve…

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Cabinet passes “Yes to Europe” decision to parliament

This content was published on May 1, 2000 At its weekly meeting, the seven-member cabinet said it was sticking to its 18-month old counter-proposal to the initiative, which underlines the government’s long-term aim of Switzerland joining the EU, but rejects any attempt to force it into bringing forward its timetable. The cabinet showed a united front on Wednesday. It is considered to be…

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Swiss government approves army reforms

This content was published on May 1, 2000 The reforms will reduce the number of members on active duty from the current level of 360,000 to a maximum of 120,000. This will be achieved in part by releasing older members from their obligation to serve: the age until which a member must serve will also be lowered from 42 to a maximum of…

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Thousands of Kosovo refugees expected to disappear to escape repatriation

This content was published on Apr 30, 2000 The head of the Swiss Federal Office for Refugees, Urs Hadorn (pictured), says that he expects nearly half of the Kosovo-Albanian refugees in Switzerland will try to escape government repatriation. Hadorn’s statement coincides with the second deadline for voluntary repatriation to Kosovo. In an interview with the SonntagsZeitung, Hadorn admitted that of the estimated 34,000…

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Brunner sets out conditions for party leadership

This content was published on Apr 29, 2000 Christiane Brunner (pictured) has said she is prepared to run for the presidency of the Social Democratic Party, but only if key reforms are undertaken. The minister in the Geneva parliament said these “structural reforms” had to allow the party leadership to respond more quickly to political changes. Brunner also called for greater involvement of…

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Parliament adds weight to campaign for EU treaties

This content was published on Apr 25, 2000 Virtually the whole Swiss parliament has joined a multi-party committee urging Swiss voters to say yes to the bilateral accords with the European Union. The issue comes before a national referendum on May 21. Opinion polls are predicting a clear majority for the accords, which are designed to remove any economic discrimination between Switzerland and…

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