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Visit to Bern by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe

16.03.2009 — Press release EDA
Mr Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, paid an official visit to the federal authorities in Bern on 16 March 2009.

Strong Swiss Presence at the 5th World Water Forum

16.03.2009 — Press release EDA
From 16 to 22 March 2009, some 20,000 participants from all over the world will be meeting in Istanbul for the 5th World Water Forum with the objective of seeking solutions to the water problems of the 21st century. The Swiss delegation will be led by Martin Dahinden, Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Bruno Oberle, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).

Switzerland to adopt OECD standard on administrative assistance in fiscal matters

13.03.2009 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has announced today that Switzerland intends to adopt the OECD standard on administrative assistance in tax matters in accordance with Art. 26 of the OECD Model Tax Convention. The decision will permit the exchange of information with other countries in individual cases where a specific and justified request has been made. The Federal Council has decided to withdraw the corresponding reservation to the OECD Model Tax Convention and to enter into negotiations on revising double taxation agreements. Swiss banking secrecy remains intact.

Swiss Confederation to set out its position in the court action against UBS in the USA

13.03.2009 — Press release EDA
In the civil action against UBS in the USA, the Federal Council is to instruct an American law firm to draft an amicus curiae brief explaining Switzerland’s legal position with a view to giving added emphasis to Switzerland’s sovereign interests.

Yearly consultations of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission in Bern

13.03.2009 — Press release EDA
Representatives of Switzerland, Sweden and Poland, Member States of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) in Korea, met in Bern on 13 March 2009 for their yearly consultations. Discussions focused on current tasks of the NNSC and recent developments on the Korean Peninsula. The NNSC Member States reasserted their long-term commitment to contribute to a permanent peace solution on the Korean Peninsula.

Attack in Sri Lanka

11.03.2009 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has taken note with dismay and sadness of the news of the suicide attack yesterday near a mosque in Akuressa in the south of Sri Lanka, which caused the deaths of 15 people and wounded dozens more, including members of the government. Switzerland condemns in the strongest possible terms this terrorist attack and all such indiscriminate attacks directed against the civilian population of Sri Lanka. It expresses its deep condolences and solidarity with the Sri Lankan authorities and to the families and friends of the victims.

Vietnamese medals awarded to Eawag scientists

10.03.2009 — Press release EDA
Four Eawag scientists today received official medals from the Vietnamese government for their achievements in the areas of drinking water quality and sanitation. The medals were awarded in recognition of “outstanding contributions to education and training in Vietnam”. With financial support from the Swiss government, the scientists succeeded in strengthening capacity at two research centres in Northern Vietnam and improving the quality of local water supplies and wastewater management.

Banking secrecy remains intact - improved international cooperation in the case of tax offences

06.03.2009 — Press release EDA
At its meeting today the Federal Council noted that the protection of the privacy of bank customers (banking secrecy) from unwarranted state intervention remains intact. However, the Federal Council wishes to improve cooperation with other countries in the area of tax offences. In addition it is prepared to enter into dialogue with third countries on the taxation of savings income. The criticism directed towards Switzerland by various countries due to its banking secrecy was resolutely rejected by the Federal Council. In addition, the Federal Council today appointed a group of experts to provide support in an advisory capacity. The group will be chaired by Ambassador Manuel Sager.

The FDFA is worried by the expulsion of humanitarian actors from Darfur

05.03.2009 — Press release EDA
The FDFA deplores the fact that the Sudanese authorities have decided to expel humanitarian actors from Darfur in response to the decision of Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court, published on 4 March 2009, to issue an arrest warrant for the Sudanese president.

Interest sections for Georgia and Russia start work

04.03.2009 — Press release EDA
The interest sections of the Swiss representations in Moscow and Tbilisi will start work tomorrow Thursday 5 March 2009. As of that date, Switzerland will represent Georgia's interests in Russia and those of Russia in Georgia.

Extension of the final prolongation of the freezing of Mobutu

25.02.2009 — Press release EDA
On 12 December 2008, the Federal Council decided to prolong the freezing of the assets of the late president Mobutu and of his entourage (approx. CHF 7.7 million) to 28 February 2009. The purpose of this prolongation was to enable the lawyer of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) to initiate proceedings in Switzerland to block the assets and to enable the competent legal authority to decide how to deal with the case. A criminal complaint was filed with the Federal State Prosecutor by the RDC on 23 January 2009. As the examination of the case is a time-consuming task, the Federal Council considered it necessary to order a further extension to the final freezing, i.e. until 30 April 2009.

Visit by the director general of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to Berne

24.02.2009 — Press release EDA
The director general of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Mr Francis Gurry was received in Bern today by a delegation of the FDFA and the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property. The discussions focused mainly on governance within the organisation, the strengthening of the global regime for the protection of intellectual property rights and questions concerning the host state.

Media (2415)

Growth in Switzerland’s Official Development Assistance in 2008

25.03.2009 — Press release EDA

Human rights dialogue between Switzerland and Vietnam

23.03.2009 — Press release EDA
From 13 to 18 March, a Swiss delegation visited Vietnam in the framework of the seventh round of dialogue on human rights and international organisations. The delegation visited ministeries and spoke to representatives of the Vietnamese communist party and of civil society.

3C Conference 2009: promoting security, development and peace in fragile states

19.03.2009 — Press release EDA
Representatives from the UN, the OECD, the World Bank, and NATO meet in Geneva at a conference hosted by the Government of Switzerland on March 19-20, 2009. This “3C” Conference, standing for coherent, coordinated, and complementary, brings together for the first time some 250 decision-makers from 40 countries – representing such areas as foreign affairs, security, development cooperation, finance, trade, justice, and law enforcement – to discuss ways to achieve security, development, and peace objectives in fragile states. Using lessons learnt in Afghanistan, Haiti, Liberia and Sudan, conference participants will discuss the benefits, challenges and operational requirements of a coherent, coordinated and complementary (3C) approach among the various actors.

Demolition of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem

19.03.2009 — Press release EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is seriously concerned by the possible destruction of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem near the Old Town. It calls on the Israeli government to comply with its obligations in international law and not to go ahead with the planned demolitions.

Visit to Bern by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe

16.03.2009 — Press release EDA
Mr Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, paid an official visit to the federal authorities in Bern on 16 March 2009.

Strong Swiss Presence at the 5th World Water Forum

Switzerland to adopt OECD standard on administrative assistance in fiscal matters

Swiss Confederation to set out its position in the court action against UBS in the USA

Yearly consultations of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission in Bern

Attack in Sri Lanka

Vietnamese medals awarded to Eawag scientists

Banking secrecy remains intact - improved international cooperation in the case of tax offences

Other news (296)

UNESCO General Conference (fr)

14.11.2019 — EDA
Paris, 14.11.2019 – Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis – Check against delivery

Linking of the Swiss and EU emissions trading systems: Federal Council approves revision of the CO2 Ordinance

13.11.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 13 November 2019, the Federal Council approved the revised Ordinance on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions. This, together with the amendment to the CO2 Act adopted in March 2019 and the agreement with the EU, will enter into force on 1 January 2020. From 2020, emissions from civil aviation and fossil fuel power stations will also be included in the Swiss ETS, as is already the case in the EU. Linking the two schemes allows companies in the Swiss ETS to trade emission allowances in the larger EU emissions market.

Escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza – statement by the FDFA

12.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and calls on all parties to restore calm immediately.

Education, environment and protection of minorities – Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to UNESCO General Conference in Paris

12.11.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland at the UNESCO General Conference on 14 November 2019. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will call for respect for minorities, which is a key element of the democratic process. New members of the UNESCO Executive Board will also be elected during the three-week session. Switzerland – one of the candidates – is one of the biggest contributors to UNESCO measured by population.

FDFA calls for end to violence and new elections in Bolivia

11.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA is closely following recent political developments in Bolivia with concern and calls for new elections to reflect the political will of the people. The FDFA stands ready to support Bolivia in preparing for such elections.

International Law Day 2019: FDFA Directorate of International Law launches discussion on 'soft law'

08.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA Directorate of International Law (DIL) held its annual International Law Day on 8 November. This year’s event focused on soft law. The event provided an opportunity to discuss this topical issue in the presence of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and a broad audience, and in particular to consider how to better involve Parliament in soft law matters.

Swiss woman injured in Jordan

06.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA is assisting a Swiss woman wounded in a knife attack on 6 November in the Jordanian city of Jerash. She has received medical treatment and her life is not in danger. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was informed directly by his counterpart, Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, who reassured him that the Swiss tourist is being cared for in Jordan.

FDFA notes resignation of UNRWA Commissioner-General

06.11.2019 — EDA
The United Nations (UN) has announced the resignation of the Commissioner-General for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Pierre Krähenbühl. The announcement follows the launch of an investigation into misconduct allegations involving UNRWA's management. The FDFA notes the resignation and calls for a full and thorough clarification of the facts. Switzerland will withhold payment of its project contributions pending the outcome of the investigation.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization

05.11.2019 — EDA
Switzerland ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) precisely 20 years ago. To mark the occasion, Federal Councillor and Head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis met with the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbo, in Bern. During the meeting, Mr Cassis emphasised the CTBT’s indispensable role in building a world without nuclear weapons. The CTBTO works closely with scientific institutions, including the Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich in Davos, to monitor compliance with the ban. These monitoring activities are also an example of how science and diplomacy can work together to solve political problems.

Swiss expert Marcel Jullier re-elected to UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions

01.11.2019 — EDA
The UN General Assembly has re-elected Swiss expert Marcel Jullier for a second three-year term on the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. Mr Jullier is a specialist in accounting and controlling. His re-election also advances Switzerland's efforts for adequate Swiss representation in international organisations.

Switzerland commits to the French language as a diplomatic instrument and supports reforms by the new Secretary General of La Francophonie

31.10.2019 — EDA
FDFA Head Ignazio Cassis attended the 36th Francophonie Ministerial Conference in Monaco on 30 and 31 October. As the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year in Tunis, the foreign ministers of its member states and governments have decided to refocus the organisation on its main missions, in particular its values (peace, the rule of law and democracy) and the promotion and defence of the French language.

Ignazio Cassis attends Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie in Monaco

29.10.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will attend the annual Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie in Monaco on 30 and 31 October. This will be an opportunity to review the work of the International Organisation of La Francophonie as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

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