04.06.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
The Global Forum on the Recovery of Assets and Development jointly organised by Switzerland, the World Bank and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will take place in Paris on 8 and 9 June. Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will represent Switzerland at this event.
02.06.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
A Swiss delegation visited Moscow from 31 May to 2 June for the eighth round of human rights consultations which Switzerland has been holding with Russia since 2003. The talks covered the national and international human rights policies of both countries as well as the operational aspect of the consultations.
02.06.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has received Antônio de Aguiar Patriota, Secretary-General of Foreign Relations of the Federative Republic of Brazil, for a courtesy visit. Mr Patriota is in Switzerland for talks in the context of the regular political dialogue between Switzerland and Brazil.
01.06.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
The FDFA expresses its very serious concern following an incident of the coast of the Gaza Strip resulting from an assault by Israeli forces on an international convoy of ships bringing humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza. Switzerland asks for an international inquiry to be conducted into the circumstances of this tragic event.
29.05.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
The final document, agreed by consensus, of the 8th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will strengthen the credibility of the disarmament and non-proliferation regime. From Switzerland’s point of view, progress is to be seen in particular in the adoption of an action plan, recognition of the humanitarian dimension and the applicability of international humanitarian law, as well as in the agreement to take concrete steps to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.
28.05.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
Switzerland was today elected to a second three-year term in the Human Rights Council by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Switzerland is pleased about this election, which it regards as recognition of its commitment to human rights in general and of its active role as a member of the Council in the period 2006-2009. With a review of the Council's activities coming up 2011, Switzerland will continue to work to ensure that the Council is effective, equitable and capable of responding quickly to human rights violations, wherever they occur.
27.05.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
This morning, the organisers of the XIIIth Summit of the Francophonie have held a joint press conference during which the federal, cantonal and municipal authorities concerned presented the preparations, challenges and the programme to accompany the Summit, which will take place on the 22-24 October 2010 in Montreux, Switzerland.
26.05.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
The Headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva are being enlarged. The third and last phase of this expansion necessitates a loan of CHF 40 million as well as a non-repayable CHF 10 million contribution. Today, the Federal Council approved the relevant draft bill for submission to Parliament. The bill establishes the financial framework for the extra-muros expansion of the Centre William Rappard (CWR) outside its current footprint.
20.05.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
Switzerland expresses its sympathy and support to Thailand in the present difficult situation. The FDFA calls on all sides to resume dialogue.
19.05.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council wishes to strengthen the exterior protection of sites of international organisations based in Switzerland. The sum necessary for the financing of this measure amounts to 10 million francs.
19.05.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey flew to Chisinau in the Republic of Moldova on Wednesday, where she will take part in a meeting of Swiss ambassadors from countries in South-East and East Europe. On Wednesday evening she held talks with Iurie Leanca, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the Republic of Moldova. During the meeting a repatriation agreement and an agreement on visa facilitation were signed.
18.05.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
President Doris Leuthard, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (FDEA), and Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today received the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyen Minh TRIET, at the Lohn Country Residence in Kehrsatz. In the course of this first official visit by a Vietnamese President, discussions covered bilateral relations in general, economic relations, development cooperation and international political issues.