Swiss Politics

Swiss “policy of dialogue” explained to Israel

This content was published on Jul 16, 2009 Deputy State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Pierre Helg explained to Ilan Elgar Switzerland’s “policy of dialogue”. “In a conflict situation, Switzerland talks to all parties – therefore also Hamas,” said a foreign ministry spokeswoman. On Wednesday Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey confirmed talks took place with a top leader of Hamas. It comes after Israel strongly…

Swiss Politics

Mother tongue of new minister divides Swiss

This content was published on Jul 16, 2009 The results of a survey found a majority of German speakers saying language is not an issue when choosing a successor to French-speaking Couchepin, while Swiss French and Swiss Italians beg to differ. The findings were published in three Sunday newspapers, SonntagsBlick, Le Matin Dimanche and Il Caffè – one in each of Switzerland’s main…

Swiss Politics

First candidate for cabinet post named

This content was published on Jul 16, 2009 The executive of Neuchâtel’s centre-right Radical Party nominated Burkhalter on Wednesday evening. The 49-year-old economist has been a member of parliament since 2003, first in the House of Representatives and since 2007 in the Senate. Couchepin, one of two Radical Party representatives in the seven-member cabinet, announced his resignation last month. Parliament will choose his…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet by-election

This content was published on Jul 16, 2009

Right-hand column cabinet elections

This content was published on Jul 16, 2009

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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Swiss “policy of dialogue” explained to Israel

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Mother tongue of new minister divides Swiss

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First candidate for cabinet post named

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Cabinet by-election

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Right-hand column cabinet elections

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Switzerland forced to unfreeze Mobutu assets

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Ex-hostage could face massive bill

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Swiss defend Hamas visa after Israeli protest

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Trade accords strengthen Swiss-Canadian ties

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Leuthard talks trade in Bogotá

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