Swiss Politics Archives - Page 945 of 1359

More

Swiss Politics

Switzerland forced to unfreeze Mobutu assets

This content was published on Jul 16, 2009 Its decision, announced on Thursday, followed a ruling two days ago at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona. The court rejected a citizen’s appeal by Basel University criminologist Mark Pieth to keep a freeze on the assets in Swiss banks valued at SFr7.7 million ($6.68 million). Pieth had opposed returning the funds to Mobutu’s heirs,…

More

Swiss Politics

Ex-hostage could face massive bill

This content was published on Jul 16, 2009 However, the government has revealed that its SFr300,000 ($275,000) budget for “consular protection” has been drained by recent kidnappings and it is discussing whether hostages or tour operators should pay for the “supplementary loan”. Greiner’s case has also raised the issues of self-responsibility and of kidnap and ransom insurance. “This operation obviously cost more than…

More

Swiss Politics

Swiss defend Hamas visa after Israeli protest

This content was published on Jul 15, 2009 It comes after Israel strongly criticised a reported meeting in Geneva two weeks ago between diplomats and Mahmoud al-Zahar, a co-founder of Hamas and leader in the Gaza Strip. “Hamas is an important political actor and must not be left out in discussions over a solution to the Middle East conflict,” Calmy-Rey told public radio…

More

Swiss Politics

Trade accords strengthen Swiss-Canadian ties

This content was published on Jul 15, 2009 The accords cover free trade within the framework of the European Free Trade Area (Efta), of which Switzerland is a member, and a bilateral agreement on agriculture. Baumann, who has been in his post for three years, also outlines the role of the Swiss community in Canada and its contribution to promoting the image of…

More

Swiss Politics

Leuthard talks trade in Bogotá

This content was published on Jul 15, 2009 Discussions centred on Colombia’s negotiations for a trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association that Leuthard said should come into force in the coming year. Leuthard confirmed that Switzerland wished to increase its commitment in the South American country. Colombia is one of seven nations selected by Switzerland for greater development cooperation. Trade between…

More

Swiss Politics

Freed hostage back on Swiss soil

This content was published on Jul 14, 2009 Werner Greiner, 57, flew into Zurich airport at 11.30am on Tuesday together with his wife, Gabriella, who had also been abducted in January but was released three months later. Switzerland has denied paying a ransom to free the couple. Greiner appeared exhausted, but was relaxed when he spoke to the media alongside his wife and…

More

Swiss Politics

Libya grants visa to Swiss chargé d’affaires

This content was published on Jul 14, 2009 The chargé d’affaires will replace Ambassador Daniel von Muralt who retired at the beginning of the year, a Swiss foreign ministry spokesman confirmed. Since von Muralt’s departure the embassy has been staffed by just by one accredited diplomat. Relations between the two countries have been strained since the detention of Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi’s son…

More

Swiss Politics

Back seat passengers fail to buckle up

This content was published on Jul 14, 2009 Just two-thirds are buckling up in the back seat, indicating that this safety step has not yet become a reflex action for many. Rear passengers have been obliged by law to wear seat belts since 1994. The annual representative survey of seatbelt usage found that 87 per cent of drivers and 88 per cent of…

More

Swiss Politics

Military observers return from Georgia

This content was published on Jul 13, 2009 Russia had blocked a continuation of the UN contingent in the breakaway republic of Abkhazia amid territorial disputes between Moscow and Georgia that flared up last year. The four Swiss observers were part of a 151-strong mission from 30 countries monitoring a ceasefire between Georgia and Abkhazia agreed in 1993. Neutral Switzerland has taken part…

Swiss Politics

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Swiss Politics

More

Right-hand column cabinet elections

More

Switzerland forced to unfreeze Mobutu assets

More

Ex-hostage could face massive bill

More

Swiss defend Hamas visa after Israeli protest

More

Trade accords strengthen Swiss-Canadian ties

More

Leuthard talks trade in Bogotá

More

Freed hostage back on Swiss soil

More

Libya grants visa to Swiss chargé d’affaires

More

Back seat passengers fail to buckle up

More

Military observers return from Georgia

Popular Stories

Most Discussed