Latest news with #IgnazioCassis
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Swiss government backs agreement strengthening economic ties to EU
FILE PHOTO: Switzerland's national flag flies beside the one of the European Union in Steinhausen, Switzerland February 11, 2020. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/ File Photo ZURICH - The Swiss cabinet on Friday approved a deal struck in December with the European Union aimed at deepening bilateral economic ties and has now launched a domestic consultation process. Global geopolitical uncertainty made it a "strategic necessity" to maintain stable and predictable relations with the EU, Switzerland's top trading partner, the government said. "By fixing our economic and political relations with the EU we increase our security," Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis told reporters, adding that Switzerland belonged to Europe not only geographically, but also economically and socially. "An old Arabic proverb says 'he who lives in peace with his neighbours sleeps without fear,'" Cassis said, noting that instability had become the "new normal". Issues such as wage protections, immigration and electricity as well as the type of referendum to be held on the accord have all been settled over the last five months. The consultation process will last until October 31, the cabinet said. After that has been completed, the package of measures will go to parliament in the first quarter of 2026, before a referendum is held, probably in 2028. Studies show the Swiss economy could suffer a cumulative economic hit of more than 520 billion Swiss francs ($640.87 billion) by 2045 without an agreement, the government said. Pursuing closer ties with Brussels is contentious in Switzerland, where nationalist opponents of closer integration say that it risks undermining the country's higher living standards and unique character. Analysts expect the government to face a tough campaign to win a referendum, and critics were quick to hit out. "Switzerland is facing a historically unprecedented treaty that will destroy the proven and successful foundations of sovereignty, direct democracy, separation of powers and federalism," said the campaign group Pro Schweiz. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Arab News
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
European states back Pakistan's proposal for Kashmir inquiry following Pahalgam attack
ISLAMABAD: Switzerland and Greece welcomed Pakistan's proposal for an independent investigation into last month's gun attack on a tourist hub in Indian-administered Kashmir, with the Swiss government offering to assist in facilitating a transparent probe, said the foreign office on Saturday. The April 22 assault in Pahalgam, a popular destination in the disputed Himalayan region, killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, an allegation Islamabad has repeatedly denied. Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have surged in the wake of the attack, with India imposing trade and shipping restrictions and suspending its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has responded by calling for a neutral and transparent international investigation into the incident while warning that any military action would trigger a strong response despite Islamabad's desire to avoid escalation. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke over the phone with the foreign minister's of Switzerland and Greece, presenting his country's perspective on the situation. 'FM @ignaziocassis appreciated Pakistan's commitment to peace, and endorsed its proposal for an investigation,' the foreign office said in a social media post, referring to Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, following a call between the two officials. 'He expressed Switzerland's readiness to offer its good offices and explore appropriate mechanisms to facilitate an impartial investigation.' Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis also welcomed Pakistan's proposal for an impartial inquiry and stressed the importance of restraint to prevent escalation and preserve regional stability, according to another post. A day earlier, Dar spoke with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, who emphasized the need for dialogue between the two South Asian nuclear rivals to maintain regional peace and stability. The Pakistani deputy prime minister told all three European officials that Islamabad rejects India's allegations and unilateral actions like the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He described the Indian decision to hold the treaty 'in abeyance' as a violation of international law. Pakistan and India have fought multiple wars over Kashmir, which both countries claim in full but control in part. The latest diplomatic exchanges come as concerns rise over the potential for further escalation following the Pahalgam attack.
23-04-2025
- Politics
Japan, Switzerland to Work for Int'l Meeting on Ukraine Mines
News from Japan Politics Apr 23, 2025 22:51 (JST) Tokyo, April 23 (Jiji Press)--Japan and Switzerland on Wednesday agreed to work for the success of an international conference on demining for Ukraine that the Asian country will host in autumn. The agreement was reached at a meeting in Tokyo between Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis. Iwaya praised Switzerland's efforts for peace in Ukraine and for recovery and reconstruction of the war-torn country. The two officials exchanged views on the situation in East Asia, including North Korea, which is strengthening military cooperation with Russia. They confirmed that their countries will continue cooperating closely to deal with the situation. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
