Swiss Politics

Switzerland hosts Colombian peace talks

This content was published on Jul 24, 2000 The foreign ministry described Switzerland’s role as that of a facilitator. But the Colombian authorities have said they may ask the Swiss to mediate between government envoys and the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN). A senior foreign ministry official in Berne said Switzerland had won trust on both sides through its moves to ensure the…

Swiss Politics

European Youth Parliament ends session in Berne

This content was published on Jul 23, 2000 During the 10-day long session, the youngsters from 26 countries debated political issues of international importance. They concluded their talks on Sunday with 15 committees joining for plenary sessions in the House of Representatives, and voting on a series of non-binding resolutions to be presented to Euro-parliamentarians in Strasbourg. The subject matters covered included human…

Swiss Politics

Hostages seized from Swiss mission in Angola

This content was published on Jul 21, 2000 The hostages, who are all Angolan citizens, were seized after armed men stormed the mission station in Ganda at around five o’clock on Tuesday morning. Two monks and 12 nuns were taken, along with 20 women, children and elderly people. Father Emanuel Brülisauer, who oversees the nine Swiss missions in Angola from his St Gallen…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland celebrates pioneering role in OSCE

This content was published on Jul 19, 2000 The Swiss provided considerable input in drafting the final document at the 1975 Helsinki summit of the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe on August 1, 1975, out of which the OSCE was born. At the time Switzerland wanted to play a more active part in world affairs because it was not a member…

Swiss Politics

Young parliamentarians bring politics and pleasure together

This content was published on Jul 18, 2000 Good-natured laughter is not often heard at political meetings, but this gathering of parliamentarians is somewhat different. For a start, none of them are older than 23 and, unlike their more experienced counterparts, they try to inject as much fun and bonhomie into their work as possible. “We have a very creative approach to committee…

Swiss Politics

Britain soon to treat Swiss like EU citizens at passport control

This content was published on Jul 18, 2000 The British prime minister, Tony Blair, gave the assurance to Ogi on Monday during bilateral talks in London. Blair said that as soon as possible Britain would move to scrap the need for Swiss citizens awaiting passport control to join all other non-EU nationals in often lengthy queues. Approximately 600,000 Swiss citizens travel to Britain…

Swiss Politics

Berne hosts meeting of European Youth Parliament

This content was published on Jul 17, 2000 The session’s speaker, Martin Camenisch from canton Berne, said the gathering was a historic moment for Switzerland. Over the next week 250 young people will be debating the future of the continent. Opening the event on Monday Camenisch said it was the first time the blue European flag with its golden stars had been raised…

Swiss Politics

European Youth Assembly meets in Berne

This content was published on Jul 16, 2000 The meeting formally opens on Monday in the Swiss House of Representatives. Delegates from more than 30 countries are taking part in working groups to debate issues, including human rights, consumer protection, unemployment, environmental and cultural issues. One committee will also focus on direct democracy in Europe. Monika Horisberger, spokeswoman for the Swiss organisers, told…

Swiss Politics

Former Swiss ambassador reflects on four years in Israel

This content was published on Jul 16, 2000 Having just returned to Switzerland, Monod is taking stock of his four years in Tel Aviv, which began in June 1996. Following his debriefing with the foreign ministry, the 59-year-old career diplomat and his Israeli wife have been reminiscing about their “very happy stay, after having been very well received by the Israeli people”. Shortly…

Swiss Politics

Swiss president to meet British prime minister in London

This content was published on Jul 16, 2000 The talks are expected to focus on Anglo-Swiss relations. In particular, Ogi will take the opportunity to discuss the progress being made in the ratification process of the bilateral treaties between the European Union and Switzerland. The parliaments of all 15 EU member states have to ratify the accords if they are to come into…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Switzerland hosts Colombian peace talks

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European Youth Parliament ends session in Berne

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Hostages seized from Swiss mission in Angola

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Switzerland celebrates pioneering role in OSCE

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Young parliamentarians bring politics and pleasure together

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Britain soon to treat Swiss like EU citizens at passport control

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Berne hosts meeting of European Youth Parliament

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European Youth Assembly meets in Berne

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Former Swiss ambassador reflects on four years in Israel

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Swiss president to meet British prime minister in London

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