Swiss Politics

US to collect limited data on Swiss passengers

This content was published on Jan 14, 2009 The countries had a similar agreement in place in 2005 but it expired after three and a half years. The new agreement has no such limit. The revised accord reached on Wednesday shores up data protection regulations in place in the US and limits how much information can be passed onto the American authorities. In…

Swiss Politics

Tougher stance taken on foreign criminals

This content was published on Jan 14, 2009 Instead the cabinet aims to tighten residency permits for convicted foreigners sentenced to two years or more in prison. The justice ministry said the rightwing Swiss People’s Party proposal, which attracted more than 210,000 signatures, clashed with basic guarantees for the right to privacy. The cabinet plan now goes to a three-month consultation procedure among…

Swiss Politics

ICRC describes “difficult” Israeli situation

This content was published on Jan 14, 2009 Jakob Kellenberger, who leads the Swiss-run Geneva-based organisation, visited the southern Israeli town of Sderot on Wednesday as part of a three-day trip to the area. Palestinian rockets regularly target the town. He described the situation as “very traumatic for children” in the town and “very difficult for the residents who have lived under the…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland and the EU

This content was published on Jan 14, 2009 Switzerland has a turbulent relationship with the European Union. While many Swiss would be happy to join the EU, there are even more who are not interested as nationwide votes have shown in the past. (Keystone)

ICRC chief demands respect for medics in Gaza

This content was published on Jan 13, 2009 Jakob Kellenberger, who leads the Swiss-run Geneva-based organisation, made the appeal on Tuesday after visiting the Shifa hospital in Gaza, on the first day of a three-day visit to the area. He will also see Palestinian and Israel officials. “It is absolutely necessary and not negotiable that medical teams are protected in this conflict,” he…

Swiss Politics

Human rights body condemns Israeli attacks

This content was published on Jan 12, 2009 Monday’s non-binding resolution released by the Council said Israel’s attacks had “resulted in massive violations” of the human rights of Palestinians. However the resolution was not reached by consensus. Thirty-three African, Asian, Arab and Latin American countries voted in favour of the resolution while 13 European states – including Switzerland – abstained. The 47-member states…

Swiss Politics

Swiss step in to ease Caucasus tensions

This content was published on Jan 12, 2009 Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey was in Georgia on Monday to finalise a Good Offices agreement which enables Switzerland to act as a third party “channel of communication” between the two governments. The same protecting power mandate was signed with Russia in December. The two sides severed diplomatic ties after Russian troops entered Georgia in August…

Swiss Politics

When democracy is a burden

This content was published on Jan 12, 2009 The trouble is that not enough of its 180 inhabitants are willing to take on the task of sitting on the commune council and are prepared to take drastic measures to avoid being forced by law to do so. Bauen, at the southern end of Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, looks like an idyllic place…

Swiss abroad support EU labour deal

This content was published on Jan 12, 2009 The Council of the Swiss Abroad on Monday said the treaty – now up for extension to Bulgaria and Romania – had had a positive impact on the Swiss living abroad. Of the 700,000 Swiss represented by the organisation, 400,000 live in EU countries. The Council said the free movement treaty had established the principle…

Swiss Politics

Protestors call for closure of Guantánamo

This content was published on Jan 11, 2009 The international human rights organisation held demonstrations in 35 countries, with Swiss protestors assembling in Bern around cages containing “prisoners” dressed in Guantánamo orange. Switzerland in particular could act by offering humanitarian protection to detainees who were ready to be released by the United States authorities but were unable to return to their country of…

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US to collect limited data on Swiss passengers

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Tougher stance taken on foreign criminals

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ICRC describes “difficult” Israeli situation

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Switzerland and the EU

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ICRC chief demands respect for medics in Gaza

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Human rights body condemns Israeli attacks

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Swiss step in to ease Caucasus tensions

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When democracy is a burden

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Swiss abroad support EU labour deal

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Protestors call for closure of Guantánamo

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