Swiss Politics

Senate committee votes for Swedish hardware

This content was published on May 12, 2000 The committee’s decision comes amid a growing debate about the future size and cost of the army, which is facing a major shake-up. Explaining the committee’s decision, its speaker, Pierre Paupe said two-thirds of the Swiss still supported the existence of an army. He added that an army without weapons would cease to be an…

Swiss Politics

Berne opposes Russian expulsion from Council of Europe

This content was published on May 11, 2000 Foreign ministers from the Council’s member countries were responding to a call by the organisation’s parliamentary assembly to initiate steps to expel Russia because of its record in the breakaway republic of Chechnya. Switzerland was represented at the meeting in Strasbourg on Thursday by the state secretary in the foreign ministry, Franz von Daeniken. He…

Swiss Politics

Taiwan businessman may have been making regular Scud deliveries

This content was published on May 10, 2000 The Federal Prosecutor’s Office said the man would stay in custody while investigations continued. The 44 year-old, whose name has not been disclosed by the authorities, was arrested on April 6 at Zurich’s Kloten airport, when he was alleged to be carrying Scud parts from Hong Kong to Tripoli. Upon searching his baggage, police found…

Swiss Politics

Army reforms threaten Swiss armaments maker

This content was published on May 10, 2000 Wicki made the comment at RUAG’s first news conference since it became a limited company at the beginning of last year. Fewer orders by the Swiss army last year led to a four per cent drop in turnover to SFr962 million, and Wicki said he expects the proposed reforms to lead to a further, massive…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland commemorates World Red Cross Day

This content was published on May 8, 2000 With this in mind, at this year’s event, artists were asked to give form to their vision of the Red Cross organisation. Together with members of the public, musicians, clowns and magicians set the tone for Monday’s celebration in a circus tent set up outside the Swiss federal parliament in Berne. The public took part…

Swiss Politics

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…

Swiss Politics

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…

Swiss Politics

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,…

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…

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

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Senate committee votes for Swedish hardware

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Berne opposes Russian expulsion from Council of Europe

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Taiwan businessman may have been making regular Scud deliveries

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Army reforms threaten Swiss armaments maker

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Switzerland commemorates World Red Cross Day

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Couchepin says acceptance of bilaterals not yet secured

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Swiss grow wary of bilateral accords as voting day looms

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News review

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Swiss president renews call for supporting bilaterals with EU

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UN warns of dangers of Kosovo repatriations

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