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Swiss voters reject more direct democracy
(No Ratings Yet)Swiss voters looked to have rejected on Sunday, June 17, a bid to force all international treaties to be put to popular referendum, which opponents argued could have hampered foreign policy and caused legal uncertainty.
The vote was called by the Action for an Independent and Neutral Switzerland (AUNS) that is regarded as close to the powerful right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), which is an ardent defender of direct democracy, Reuters reported.
AUNS wanted voters to have more say over foreign policy, particularly sensitive issues like asylum, but the government and most political parties campaigned against the proposal, fearing it would mean international treaties could be held up.
Official projections showed the proposal was rejected by 75 percent of voters.
Despite the vote, international treaties can still be put to a referendum if a group manages to gather 50 000 signatures.
Ref.110.110.110.1218
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Global coffee prices fall, but not in Latvia
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The number of refugees and asylum seekers in the worlds is at its peak since 1994. The crisis in Syria plays a large role in this, as stated in the UNHCR report on global forced displacement.
Pay increase in Estonia for second year in a row
The average salary in Estonia has increased for the second consecutive year – 2012 has marked a slight rise by 1.7%.
Saeima expresses concerns over the fate of children adopted by foreigners
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G8 leaders agree to tackle tax evasion
Heads of G8 large economies have agreed on measures for preventing illegal tax evasion and money laundering.
G8 leaders agree to stop paying terrorists ransom money for hostages
Leaders of the G8 countries have agreed to abolish the practice of paying terrorists ransom money for hostages, as reported by the British Prime Minister David Cameron.
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Industry player: revoking Balva's licenses will increase competition
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Airlines ready to invest in fuel-efficient aircrafts, Airbus orders suggest
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Latvian Finance Minister appoints new representative to the Board of Riga Free port
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Household income grows the slowest in Vidzeme and Latgale
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CPCB to initiate criminal proceedings against Road administration's officials
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Russia and U.S. fail to agree over Syria
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OlainFarm's product sales achieve 7% growth
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One of the first Art Nouveau buildings in Riga is falling apart
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EU-U.S. historic trade talks begin
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Scandinavians decide to sell agricultural land in Latvia
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Bomb explodes in Kabul hours before Afghanistan security hand-over
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Two potential investors appear to have an interest for airBaltic
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One year passes since Ecuador embassy offered Julian Assange asylum
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Latvian parliament's budget for 2014 is estimated around LVL 15 million
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FCMC revokes all licenses held by Balva
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Riga Free port official submits resignation because of a pleasure trip
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Ivan @ 2013-06-19 11:58:55
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At least they have democracy in Switzerland. This is not the case in many other countries