Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.
All media releases can be found on the Administarions's website.
02.02.2011
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Press releases
EDA
The new Federal Act on the Restitution of Assets of Politically Exposed Persons obtained by Unlawful Means (RIAA) came into force on 1 February 2011. Today the Federal Council decided to ask the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to initiate proceedings for the forfeiture of the Duvalier funds frozen in Switzerland. The Federal Administrative Court (FAC) will be in charge of these proceedings.
02.02.2011
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Press releases
EDA
The management team of the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, is again complete: Maya Tissafi has been appointed vice-director and Head of South Cooperation Department; she will take up her new responsibilities on 1 March 2011. The new Head of Global Cooperation and vice-director is Michel Mordasini, who will begin work in his new function on 1 May 2011.
01.02.2011
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland is ranked eighth on the 2010 Nation Brands Index (NBI), and thus once again figures among the leading countries of the world in terms of image. In view of the fact that Switzerland was often in the international spotlight during that year, this may be regarded as an excellent result. However, its image suffered a slight setback in the “Population” category, and in particular in Turkey and in Egypt. As has been the case in previous years, Switzerland continues to enjoy a better rating from countries overseas than from European nations. Once again, Germany is the main exception here.
01.02.2011
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Act on the Restitution of Assets of Politically Exposed Persons obtained by Unlawful Means (RIAA) came into force on 1 February 2011. It governs the freezing, forfeiture and restitution of the assets of politically exposed persons (PEPs) in cases where a request for mutual assistance cannot succeed in the requesting state due to the failure of its judicial system. This new law confirms Switzerland’s position of international leadership when it comes to the restitution of assets of illicit origin.
31.01.2011
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Press releases
EDA
Federal President Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department for Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will be in Hungary for a state visit from 2 to 3 February 2011. Hungary currently holds the EU presidency.
28.01.2011
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has added the names of six natural persons to the Annex to the Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals from Tunisia. The name of one individual has been deleted, and one entry has been reworded. The changes enter into effect today.
28.01.2011
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Press releases
EDA
Micheline Calmy-Rey, President of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), made use of her attendance at this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to hold talks with numerous heads of state and of government, and other high-level officials. In her positive assessment of her visit, Federal President Calmy-Rey said: “The 2011 WEF was a good opportunity to discuss bilateral issues with some of Switzerland’s major partners, as well as to participate in talks on global sustainability.”
26.01.2011
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Press releases
EDA
6 January 2011 marks 50 years of Switzerland representing American interests in Cuba. Switzerland accepted the mandate in 1961 following the Cuban revolution which led to the break-off of relations between Cuba and the US.
24.01.2011
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Press releases
EDA
President of the Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey travelled on Monday 24 January on a first official foreign visit to Berlin. She was received with military honours by President Christian Wulff and met for talks with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel as well as with Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Rainer Brüderle, Federal Minister for Economics and Technology.
19.01.2011
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Press releases
EDA
Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey will travel on Monday 24 January on a first official foreign visit to Berlin. She will meet for talks with German Federal President Christian Wulff, Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Rainer Brüderle, Federal Minister for Economics and Technology.
19.01.2011
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Press releases
EDA
Any assets that might be held by the President of Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo, in Switzerland, are frozen with immediate effect. The decision was taken by the Federal Council at its meeting today. Switzerland's financial centre should not be used as a place of safety for assets that may have been acquired illegally by Gbagbo, who was defeated in Ivory Coast's recent elections.
19.01.2011
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting today, the Federal Council decided to freeze with immediate effect any assets that might be held in Switzerland by the former Tunisian President and his associates. By doing so, the Federal Council wishes to avoid any and all risk of the embezzlement of property belonging to the Tunisian state. The Tunisian authorities now have the opportunity to request legal assistance in criminal matters from Switzerland.
Last update 19.07.2023
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