All news (3013)
Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation
19.12.2019
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EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.
High-level contact between Switzerland and Sri Lanka: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls Sri Lankan foreign minister and sends diplomats to maintain dialogue
19.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland is continuing high-level talks with Sri Lanka to resolve the current crisis. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis phoned his Sri Lankan counterpart, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, on 18 December 2019 to inform him that Switzerland was sending former ambassador Jörg Frieden to Sri Lanka. Under the lead of this experienced diplomat, possibilities for clarifying the security incident at the Swiss embassy in Colombo are to be explored. Mr Cassis also emphasised that the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) considers the health and safety of its staff to be paramount, and that it is the responsibility of the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure that these are protected in the further proceedings.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn
18.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, met today with EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn in Zurich for a brief discussion that focused on Swiss-EU relations. Both ministers are keen to expand on this exchange of views as soon as possible.
First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions
17.12.2019
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EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.
State Secretary Roberto Balzaretti represents Switzerland at the ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Madrid
16.12.2019
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Comunicado de prensa
EDA
Roberto Balzaretti, State Secretary and head of the Directorate for European Affairs (DEA) at the FDFA, represented Switzerland at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Madrid on 15 and 16 December 2019. As well as attending the plenary session, Switzerland sought to engage in bilateral exchanges with delegates from several European and Asian countries.
FDFA criticises lack of due process in the case against a local employee of the Swiss Embassy in Sri Lanka
16.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
An employee of the Swiss Embassy in Colombo has today been detained on the grounds that she allegedly made false statements. The FDFA is concerned about this development and calls on the Sri Lankan judicial authorities to ensure better protection of its employee's personal rights in any further proceedings and compliance with national law and international standards. The FDFA and the Swiss Embassy in Colombo will continue to meet their responsibilities as an employer and do everything in their power to assist the member of staff concerned.
National human rights institution to be established in Switzerland
13.12.2019
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EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council approved the proposal to establish a national human rights institution (NHRI). The Federal Council has thereby strengthened its constitutionally enshrined commitment to human rights. With the model of a public corporation, it takes into account the results of the consultation procedure. The NHRI will be independent, include members from across society and receive an annual financial support from the Confederation.
Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine
13.12.2019
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EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.
Federal Council appoints Patricia Danzi as new SDC director general
13.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 13 December 2019, the Federal Council appointed Patricia Danzi as the new director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Ms Danzi (50) will take up her post on 1 May 2020, succeeding Manuel Sager, who will retire in spring 2020. The future SDC director general is currently regional director for Africa at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva.
Humanitarian aid responds to digital and climate challenges – 33rd Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent comes to a close
12.12.2019
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EDA
The 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent ended today in Geneva. The conference adopted six resolutions that will enable the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to improve its actions and adapt them to the needs of vulnerable groups, in a world where the demand for humanitarian aid has never been so high. The topic of digitalisation was on the agenda for discussion, for example in restoring family links broken by crisis situations. The conference was opened by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on Monday 9 December.
Ignazio Cassis calls for international humanitarian law to be strengthened at the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
09.12.2019
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EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis called for international humanitarian law to be strengthened in his opening speech at the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent taking place in Geneva from 9 to 12 December. Mr Cassis praised the vital work of the 17 million volunteers who make up the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
FDFA transports two drinking-water production systems to eastern Ukraine
07.12.2019
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Press release
EDA
Swiss Humanitarian Aid has transported two large-scale installations to the Donetsk region to help supply the population in eastern Ukraine with clean drinking water. This is its 11th mission since 2015 in aid of the people living on both sides of the contact line.