Press releases

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.

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Object 3217 – 3228 of 3572

Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey to participate at the Munich Security Conference

04.02.2011 — Press releases EDA
Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey will participate once again this year at the Munich Security Conference. This 47th edition of the Conference, scheduled to be held from 4 to 6 February 2011 in Munich, will once again bring together participants from around the world, providing them with a forum for debate on security challenges. The Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will take advantage of her participation at this year’s conference in Munich to hold talks with heads of state and government, as well as with other high-ranking personalities.


Amendment to the Annex to the Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals from Tunisia

04.02.2011 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has amended the Annex to the Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals from Tunisia. Through its rapid precautionary freeze of funds, the Federal Council intends to facilitate legal assistance with the Tunisian authorities in view of the possible initiation of criminal procedures. Switzerland has in the meantime received an application for legal assistance from Tunisia. The information on individuals affected by the Swiss measures could therefore be amended to reflect the criminal procedures that have been, or can be expected to be initiated in Tunisia. The amendments enter into force today.



Switzerland’s participation at Expo Milano 2015 symbolised with an apple tree

03.02.2011 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is the first country to confirm its participation at Expo Milano 2015. Today, the official celebrations took place in the Centro Svizzero in Milan. As a gift, the Swiss delegation presented the Mayor of Milan, Letizia Moratti, with an apple tree of the latest Swiss eco-variety, Galiwa.


Duvalier assets to be forfeited on the basis of new Restitution Act

02.02.2011 — 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.


Two new SDC vice-directors appointed

02.02.2011 — 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.


Switzerland’s image abroad remains stable

01.02.2011 — 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.


Restitution of Illicit Assets Act (RIAA)

01.02.2011 — 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.




The President of the Confederation gives a positive assessment of her participation at the 2011 World Economic Forum

28.01.2011 — 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.”


50 years

26.01.2011 — 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.

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Last update 19.07.2023

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