Swiss Politics

German president begins state visit

This content was published on May 17, 2000 At the reception, Ogi described the policy as a key to the opening up of Europe. Rau and Ogi will hold formal talks which are expected to focus on bilateral relations, cultural exchanges and the role of Europe. The trip is being used by both governments to stress the importance of ties between the two…

Swiss Politics

Relations between Berne and Berlin focus of state visit

This content was published on May 17, 2000 Rau will be given an official reception at parliament later on Wednesday. This week’s trip is being used by both governments to stress the importance of ties between the two countries. The formal talks with the Swiss government are expected to focus on bilateral relations, cultural exchanges and the role of Europe. The importance of…

Swiss Politics

Government presses ahead with Solidarity Foundation

This content was published on May 17, 2000 The finance minister, Kaspar Villiger, described the Foundation as a key project to continue and renew Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition at home and abroad. A draft law to set up the foundation has been forwarded to parliament for further debate. Villiger said it could be put to a nationwide vote in mid-2001. He said the Foundation…

Swiss Politics

Small businesses doubtful about bilateral benefits

This content was published on May 16, 2000 Lanit AG is a small chemical firm, specialising in the production of paint and paint removers. The manager, Benno Huber, is proud of the family business: it was founded in 1931 by his father, and now Huber runs the company, together with his son. Lanit employs 14 full-time members of staff; the company’s clients are…

Swiss Politics

The long road towards the bilateral accords with the EU

This content was published on May 15, 2000 The long road towards Sunday’s vote began almost eight years ago, when Swiss voters, rejecting government advice, said no to joining the European Economic Area. The vote left Switzerland out in the cold, particularly when several EEA members joined the EU, and established the world’s second largest trading power. The Swiss government and business leaders,…

Swiss Politics

Swiss president predicts big yes vote on EU bilaterals

This content was published on May 15, 2000 Ogi fielded about two dozen questions in Switzerland’s three main national languages and English, during the one hour question period in Berne. He attempted to dispel fears that the seven accords pose a threat to Switzerland’s neutrality or prosperity. The agreements deal with everything from land and air transport to the free movement of people.…

Swiss Politics

Political peacemaking efforts ahead of party talks

This content was published on May 14, 2000 Leaders of two of the government parties, the centre-right Radicals and the Christian Democrats, have been trying to play the role of peace-maker. They are to meet the Social Democrats on Monday and were scheduled to meet the People’s Party on Thursday. They are seeking a reconciliation between the Social Democrats and the People’s Party…

Swiss Politics

Blocher denounced by allies over bilateral accords with Europe

This content was published on May 14, 2000 Blocher’s movement turned on him after he urged members not to oppose the bilateral accords with the European Union. The movement rejected Blocher’s plea saying it would recommend that Switzerland vote against the bilaterals, which go to a nationwide vote on May 21. Blocher had said he did not believe the bilateral accords with the…

Swiss Politics

Blocher tones down opposition to bilateral accords

This content was published on May 13, 2000 Addressing in Berne the movement for a neutral and independent Switzerland, of which he is president, Blocher urged members not to make an issue out of the bilaterals. He said they were simply about getting a better deal for Switzerland, and had nothing to do with Swiss neutrality or sovereignty. Instead, he said members should…

Swiss Politics

Moratorium demanded on sale of genetically-modified organisms

This content was published on May 12, 2000 The commission said experiments with GMOs should be allowed to proceed, but only on condition that they do not lead to the immediate commercial release of genetically-altered products. The ethics commission shied away from recommending a time limit for the proposed moratorium, but made it clear that GMOs should be kept off the market until…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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German president begins state visit

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Relations between Berne and Berlin focus of state visit

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Government presses ahead with Solidarity Foundation

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Small businesses doubtful about bilateral benefits

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The long road towards the bilateral accords with the EU

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Swiss president predicts big yes vote on EU bilaterals

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Political peacemaking efforts ahead of party talks

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Blocher denounced by allies over bilateral accords with Europe

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Blocher tones down opposition to bilateral accords

More

Moratorium demanded on sale of genetically-modified organisms

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