Swiss Politics

Switzerland says Balkan refugee situation unacceptable

This content was published on Dec 8, 1999 The Swiss Federal Refugee Office says the current refugee situation in the Balkans is “unacceptable” and remains a key policy priority for the government. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in turn proposed a job-creation programme for the region. “The international community cannot tolerate the current refugee situation in the Balkans,” refugee office director Jean-Daniel…

Swiss Politics

Most government parties to stick to “magic formula”

This content was published on Dec 8, 1999 The chances of a major political upset in Switzerland next week appear to be receding, following a series of decisions by the parliamentary groups of the main parties on maintaining the “magic formula“ system of government.The parliamentary factions of the four cabinet parties – the Swiss People’s Party led by Ueli Maurer (l-r), the Radicals…

Swiss Politics

Parliamentary president wants balanced budget

This content was published on Dec 6, 1999 The president of the Swiss House of Representatives on Monday opened the new session of parliament by underlining the importance of a balanced budget and self-reliance. “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” Hanspeter Seiler (picture) told the 200-member chamber, which has 81 new members…

Swiss Politics

Political drama ahead for new parliament?

This content was published on Dec 4, 1999

Swiss Politics

Humanitarian aid tops agenda of Moscow talks

This content was published on Dec 3, 1999 Swiss Foreign Minister Joseph Deiss (left) on Friday expressed concern over the fighting in Chechnya, particularly the fate of the civilian population. Deiss told Russian Interior Minister Igor Ivanov (right) during three hours of talks in Moscow that the Swiss government, along with many western nations, was concerned about the numerous deaths and the fate…

Swiss Politics

Dreifuss pledges to fight right-wing political challenge

This content was published on Dec 3, 1999 Swiss President and Interior Minister Ruth Dreifuss on Friday pledged to fight the expected challenge from the right in parliament, saying Switzerland must remain a country of social cohesion. Dreifuss, speaking to journalists in the capital Berne, made the statement in direct reference to parliamentary confirmation of all seven cabinet ministers on December 15. The…

Swiss Politics

Report rings alarm over threats to ethnic minorities in Kosovo

This content was published on Nov 30, 1999 A newly-released report calls on the Swiss government to pursue a “more generous” asylum policy, saying gypsies and other minorities are facing serious threats in Kosovo and other regions of the former Yugoslavia. International law expert Walter Kälin from Berne University told a news conference in the capital Berne that Roma and similar minority groups…

Swiss Politics

Will righ-wing party get second seat in cabinet?

This content was published on Nov 30, 1999 Switzerland is facing a fortnight of political speculation and uncertainty.The decision by the leading figure in the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, Christoph Blocher (picture), to stand for a cabinet post, has started a wave of political manoeuvring and posturing before a key parliamentary vote on December 15. Is Switzerland facing an end to the gentelman’s…

Swiss Politics

Zurich airport to be privatised

This content was published on Nov 29, 1999

Swiss Politics

Swiss troops help build peace in Kosovo

This content was published on Nov 29, 1999 A dozen Albanian men unload bricks from a truck. The former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army are working alongside Swiss engineers rebuilding a school in southern Kosovo. Half a year after the war ended, most ethnic Albanians have returned to the province and are putting their lives back together, putting roofs back on their…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Switzerland says Balkan refugee situation unacceptable

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Most government parties to stick to “magic formula”

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Parliamentary president wants balanced budget

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Political drama ahead for new parliament?

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Humanitarian aid tops agenda of Moscow talks

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Dreifuss pledges to fight right-wing political challenge

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Report rings alarm over threats to ethnic minorities in Kosovo

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Will righ-wing party get second seat in cabinet?

More

Zurich airport to be privatised

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Swiss troops help build peace in Kosovo

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