On 9 June 2022, Switzerland was elected to sit on the 15-member United Nations Security Council with 14 other nations from 2023 to 2024. The result was largely expected. Only one candidate stood for each of the five regional seats available this year. Switzerland received 187 favourable votes out of a possible 190. Votes are […]
Russia’s UN political appointees silent on Ukraine
By William Thatcher Dowell Tatiana Valovaya, a political appointee who heads the United Nations Office in Geneva, represents one of the world’s most important humanitarian, trade and conflict resolution hubs. And yet, while the UN’s specialized agencies from UNHCR to WHO have denounced the carnage in Ukraine, Valovaya is silent. Valovaya’s uncomfortable situation highlights the UN’s […]
US diplomats in Geneva report suffering from Havana syndrome
Several US diplomats in Geneva appear to be victims of the Havana syndrome, according to RTS. The mysterious syndrome was first reported in Havana in Cuba in 2016 by US and Canadian embassy staff, but may have been occurring earlier. The symptoms include ear pain and ringing, nausea, disorientation, dizziness and cognitive difficulties. Brain scans […]
The West’s abandonment of Afghanistan: a story of arrogance, ineptitude, and little understanding
By Edward Girardet The collapse of Afghanistan has been a disaster in the making for two decades and even longer. America’s shared responsibility for this country’s ongoing war stretches back to the summer of 1979 when the Central Intelligence Agency first began militarily supporting the anti-communist guerrillas, some of whom later became the Taliban. Even […]
Afghanistan — “We Tried to Tell You”
Afghanistan’s war has lasted over four decades and not 20 as is often claimed, notably since the US-led invasion of October 2001. Mort Rosenblum, who has covered Afghanistan since the early days of the Soviet occupation of the 1980s, explores the current US disaster and the crucial role of good reporting in getting people to […]
Biden and Putin shake hands in Geneva
Around midday on Wednesday 16 June 2021, Vladimir Putin landed at Geneva Airport, according to RTS. US president Joe Biden arrived in Geneva on Tuesday. An hour later, Swiss president Guy Parmelin stood between the two presidents outside the villa La Grange and welcomed them to Geneva, which he referred to as a city of […]
Geneva to host June meeting of Biden and Putin
On 25 May 2021, the White House confirmed that presidents Biden and Putin are to meet in Geneva on 16 June 2021. The meeting comes at a time of tension between the United States and Russia. President Biden has criticised the detention of Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader, Russia’s agression towards Ukraine and interference […]
From Scotland to Uganda, climate catastrophe to female exploitation: these young people are making a difference
By Peter Hulm Individuals often despair of achieving anything with private action to tackle problems such as climate catastrophes, making fashion sustainable or protecting women and young girls from exploitation. The problem is that so much depends on governments, companies and organizations including the United Nations to step up and put in place wideranging measures […]
Switzerland to give nothing to the Lebanese government
Monika Schmutz, Switzerland’s ambassador in Lebanon has categorically excluded providing financial aid to the Lebanese government fearing a corrupt government would spend it inappropriately, according to RTS. Instead Switzerland will send money via aid agencies, as it has already done to the Lebanese Red Cross. The ambassador was in her office overlooking the port when […]
Masks now compulsory at Geneva Airport
This week, Geneva Airport made it compulsory for anyone entering its buildings to wear a face mask. The new rule applies to everyone entering the building, not only staff and passengers. In addition, hands must be disinfected upon entry. Those arriving without a mask can buy one from mask distributors at the airport. The new […]
