Swiss Politics Archives - Page 986 of 1339

More

Swiss Politics

In hard times, a comeback for soft power

This content was published on Nov 12, 2008 But some of the principles outlined in the Obama platform and in his campaign rhetoric – dialogue, multilateralism and a more conciliatory approach to statecraft – are already being employed, a conference in Switzerland’s capital heard on Tuesday. “The difference has already started,” Mari Fitzduff, an expert in peace processes, told delegates attending the 20th…

More

Swiss Politics

Switzerland and Turkey reinforce friendship

This content was published on Nov 11, 2008 It is one of a number of visits by Swiss ministers to Turkey this month and marks a significant warming in relations between the two sides. During his stay Couchepin, who is interior minister as well as holding the rotating Swiss presidency for 2008, discussed economic matters. He also joined Turkish president, Abdullah Gül, in…

More

Swiss Politics

Farmers expected to do more for climate

This content was published on Nov 10, 2008 Farmers will be expected to cut annual emissions of nitrogen from the current average of 44,000 to 25,000 tons, the federal environment and agriculture offices said in a joint statement on Monday. The nitrogen reduction was one of 13 environmental goals listed by the two offices to protect biodiversity, the climate, water and the soil.…

More

Swiss Politics

Money matters dominate old age pension reform

This content was published on Nov 10, 2008 But critics say discussions ahead of the nationwide vote on November 30 do not take into account the contribution made by experienced workers and the role of the older generation in society. The proposal – launched by trade unions and supported by the centre-left Social Democrats and the Greens – is aimed at granting early…

More

Swiss Politics

Couchepin explains PKK crackdown

This content was published on Nov 9, 2008 Couchepin was speaking in Turkey, one day before the start of official talks in Ankara. He called the organisation, which seeks to establish an autonomous Kurdish state, “dangerous”. “The Turks would have probably preferred a ban on the PKK but they know the Swiss reality looks different,” Couchepin told Swiss radio. On Wednesday, the government…

More

Swiss Politics

Banking secrecy “has to be explained” to the US

This content was published on Nov 9, 2008 Martin Naville tells swissinfo that it is also important for the Swiss to hammer home the message that Switzerland is not a tax haven. Naville said he did not think much would change under Obama because he had many problems to deal with and limited room for manoeuvre. But he added that there would be…

More

Swiss Politics

Swiss parliamentarian defies Israeli blockade

This content was published on Nov 7, 2008 The 11 are sailing on a boat chartered by the US-based Free Gaza Movement, which is also carrying a tonne of medical supplies and three scanners for hospitals there . Israel has subjected Gaza to a tight blockade since the radical Islamic group Hamas took control of the area in June 2007. The Gaza Strip…

More

Swiss Politics

Switzerland “failed” would-be Hitler assassin

This content was published on Nov 7, 2008 President Pascal Couchepin admitted on Friday that the Swiss government at the time could have done more to defend Maurice Bavaud. The theology student was guillotined in a Berlin prison in 1941 aged 25, having been publicly condemned by the Swiss ambassador to Germany. “With hindsight, the then Swiss authorities did too little to intervene…

More

Swiss Politics

First state visit to Turkey begins

This content was published on Nov 7, 2008 It is the second visit in a week to Turkey by a Swiss government minister and represents an improvement of relations between the two countries. Couchepin – Switzerland’s interior minister who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year – will meet President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his four-day visit. They…

More

Swiss Politics

Lake Geneva region faces transport gridlock

This content was published on Nov 7, 2008 This week the Conseil du Léman cross-border organisation presented a proposal for a coordinated regional transport solution, which outlines the most pressing needs of the region. The Lake Geneva region is undergoing an unprecedented business boom. Over the past ten years it has managed to register consistently above-average growth, attracting new companies and residents. Over…

Swiss Politics

Popular Stories

Most Discussed