In a bid to combat a surge in COVID-19 infections, Switzerland has imposed new rules. But the swiss are not happy. Thousands marched on the streets of Geneva demonstrating against the government's efforts to tackle COVID-19.

Switzerland imposes new rules to combat a surge in COVID-19

Several countries had started offering incentives to the people who were coming ahead to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. However, Switzerland has come up with an even better idea.<o:p></o:p>

The Swiss government has started offering incentives to people who successfully bring their friends, neighbours, work colleagues and family members to get vaccinated.<o:p></o:p>

"Everyone can help to convince a friend, neighbor, work colleague or family member of the benefits of vaccination," the government said, noting that this kind of "cooperation of the population should be rewarded."

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From now on, any person who comes to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus will be asked to name one person who motivated them to get vaccinated. The named person will automatically be sent a gift certificate of $53.68 (50 Swiss francs).<o:p></o:p>

These gift certificates can be used in cinemas, restaurants and other entertainment venues listed by the local governments.<o:p></o:p>

The aim behind this new initiative is to make sure that more citizens come forward to get vaccinated. As of now, 58 per cent of the population of Switzerland has been fully vaccinated, which makes it one of the slowest inoculation drives in western Europe.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/british-citizens-arriving-in-india-to-face-a-mandatory-10-day-quarantine-417428">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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While the Covid cases have been declining in the country, the government is worried about the possibility of another surge in cases due to the deadly Delta variant. As of now, majority of the people in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Covid hospitals are people who had not yet been vaccinated against coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

The Swiss government has allocated $161.59 million (150 million francs) only for these Covid gift certificate offers. <o:p></o:p>

Officials are planning to announce a national vaccination week in which nearly 170 mobile vaccination hubs will be set up all around the country that will help people find a vaccine centre easily.<o:p></o:p>

Several countries had started offering incentives to the people who were coming ahead to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. However, Switzerland has come up with an even better idea.

Several countries had started offering incentives to the people who were coming ahead to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. However, Switzerland has come up with an even better idea. The Swiss government has started offering incentives to people who successfully bring their friends, neighbours, work colleagues and family members to get vaccinated. "Everyone can help to convince a friend, neighbor, work colleague or family member of the benefits of vaccination," the government said, noting that this kind of "cooperation of the population should be rewarded." Also read | US surpasses 700,000 Covid deaths as California schools make vaccines compulsory From now on, any person who comes to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus will be asked to name one person who motivated them to get vaccinated. The named person will automatically be sent a gift certificate of $53.68 (50 Swiss francs). These gift certificates can be used in cinemas, restaurants and other entertainment venues listed by the local governments. The aim behind this new initiative is to make sure that more citizens come forward to get vaccinated. As of now, 58 per cent of the population of Switzerland has been fully vaccinated, which makes it one of the slowest inoculation drives in western Europe. WATCH | While the Covid cases have been declining in the country, the government is worried about the possibility of another surge in cases due to the deadly Delta variant. As of now, majority of the people in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Covid hospitals are people who had not yet been vaccinated against coronavirus. The Swiss government has allocated $161.59 million (150 million francs) only for these Covid gift certificate offers. Officials are planning to announce a national vaccination week in which nearly 170 mobile vaccination hubs will be set up all around the country that will help people find a vaccine centre easily.

'Bring a friend, get rewarded': Swiss nationals to get gifts for bringing friends for Covid jabs

Switzerland&nbsp;agreed to&nbsp;legalise civil&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;and the right to adopt children for&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;couples by a&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;two-thirds&nbsp;majority&nbsp;in a referendum on Sunday, making it one of the last countries in Western Europe to&nbsp;legalise gay&nbsp;marriage.

According to results provided by the Swiss federal chancellery, 64.1% of voters voted in favour of&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;in the nationwide referendum that was conducted under&nbsp;Switzerland's system of direct democracy.

"We are very happy and relieved," said Antonia Hauswirth of the national committee "Marriage&nbsp;for All", adding supporters would celebrate in&nbsp;Switzerland's capital Bern on Sunday.

Amnesty International said in a statement that opening civil&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;to&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;couples was a "milestone for equality".

However, Monika Rueegger of&nbsp;Switzerland's right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) and member of the referendum committee "No to&nbsp;Marriage&nbsp;for All" said she was disappointed.

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"This was not about love and feelings, it was about children's welfare. Children and fathers are the losers here," she told Reuters.

The amended law will&nbsp;make&nbsp;it possible for&nbsp;same-sex&nbsp;couples to get married, and to adopt children unrelated to them. Married lesbian couples will also be allowed to have children through sperm donation, currently&nbsp;legal&nbsp;only for married heterosexual couples.

It will also&nbsp;make&nbsp;it easier for foreign spouses of a Swiss individual to get citizenship.

Swiss Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter told a media briefing the new rules would likely come into force on July 1 next year.

In a separate referendum, 64.9% of Swiss voters rejected a proposal to introduce a capital gains tax.

Switzerland agreed to legalise civil marriage and the right to adopt children for same-sex couples by a nearly two-thirds majority in a referendum on Sunday, making it one of the last countries in Western Europe to legalise gay marriage.

Switzerland agreed to legalise civil marriage and the right to adopt children for same-sex couples by a nearly two-thirds majority in a referendum on Sunday, making it one of the last countries in Western Europe to legalise gay marriage. According to results provided by the Swiss federal chancellery, 64.1% of voters voted in favour of same-sex marriage in the nationwide referendum that was conducted under Switzerland's system of direct democracy. "We are very happy and relieved," said Antonia Hauswirth of the national committee "Marriage for All", adding supporters would celebrate in Switzerland's capital Bern on Sunday. Amnesty International said in a statement that opening civil marriage to same-sex couples was a "milestone for equality". However, Monika Rueegger of Switzerland's right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) and member of the referendum committee "No to Marriage for All" said she was disappointed. Also read | President Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey intends to buy more Russian defence systems "This was not about love and feelings, it was about children's welfare. Children and fathers are the losers here," she told Reuters. The amended law will make it possible for same-sex couples to get married, and to adopt children unrelated to them. Married lesbian couples will also be allowed to have children through sperm donation, currently legal only for married heterosexual couples. It will also make it easier for foreign spouses of a Swiss individual to get citizenship. Swiss Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter told a media briefing the new rules would likely come into force on July 1 next year. In a separate referendum, 64.9% of Swiss voters rejected a proposal to introduce a capital gains tax.

Switzerland votes to make same-sex marriage legal by near two-thirds majority

Hundreds of Swiss protesters rallied in Basel following a court's decision to reduce the sentence of a rapist who was convicted last month, saying that the assault lasted only 11 minutes.

Protesters holding signs reading "11 minutes are 11 minues too many" protested in front of the Swiss Appeals Court in Basel.

The sentence was reduced by the court citing the duration of the sexual assault, which it said "only" lasted 11 minutes, and the fact that the victim was not severely hurt.&nbsp;

In the case from last year, the woman was raped following a nightout at a nightclub. The assault took place in her apartment in Basel, northwest Switzerland. A 33-year-old Portuguese man and his 17-year-old companion were the culprits in the February 2020 incident.&nbsp;

In August, the 33-year-old was found guilty of rape, while the teenager has not been formally convicted and&nbsp;is still awaiting a juvenile court decision on his case.&nbsp;

Basel Social Democrats' vice president, Marcel Columb, tweeted that the rapist's sentence was already short and that the lessened jail time sent a wrong message to victims of sexual abuse.

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4 Jahre waren ja schon mild, doch nun auch noch eine Mitschuld aufgedrückt zu kriegen wegen dem Verhalten gegenüber einer unbeteiligten Person, ist unerträglich. 
Was für ein Zeichen für alle Opfer sexualisierter Gewalt. <a href="https://t.co/UTyVxsDvdo">https://t.co/UTyVxsDvdo</a>
— Marcel Colomb (@MarcelColomb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcelColomb/status/1421363434298429441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The court, presided over by&nbsp;Judge Liselotte Henz, opted to sentence the rapist to three years instead of four years and three months.&nbsp;

According to the judge, the perpetrator had a "medium" degree of fault in the incident.

Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten reported that the judge commented on an incident in which the victim may have been making out with another man in the nightclub,&nbsp;and said the victim gave off certain signals and was "playing with fire".

According to the newspaper, the defendant might be released on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The reduced sentence was met with widespread criticism.

In a statement,&nbsp;the Swiss feminist organisation Frauenstreik Basel said violence against a person comes from the perpetrator alone and is "humiliating" and "violent" no matter how long it lasts.

&nbsp;

Hundreds of Swiss protesters rallied in Basel following a court's decision to reduce the sentence of a rapist who was convicted last month, saying that the assault lasted only 11 minutes.

Hundreds of Swiss protesters rallied in Basel following a court's decision to reduce the sentence of a rapist who was convicted last month, saying that the assault lasted only 11 minutes. Protesters holding signs reading "11 minutes are 11 minues too many" protested in front of the Swiss Appeals Court in Basel. The sentence was reduced by the court citing the duration of the sexual assault, which it said "only" lasted 11 minutes, and the fact that the victim was not severely hurt. In the case from last year, the woman was raped following a nightout at a nightclub. The assault took place in her apartment in Basel, northwest Switzerland. A 33-year-old Portuguese man and his 17-year-old companion were the culprits in the February 2020 incident. In August, the 33-year-old was found guilty of rape, while the teenager has not been formally convicted and is still awaiting a juvenile court decision on his case. Basel Social Democrats' vice president, Marcel Columb, tweeted that the rapist's sentence was already short and that the lessened jail time sent a wrong message to victims of sexual abuse. 4 Jahre waren ja schon mild, doch nun auch noch eine Mitschuld aufgedrückt zu kriegen wegen dem Verhalten gegenüber einer unbeteiligten Person, ist unerträglich. Was für ein Zeichen für alle Opfer sexualisierter Gewalt. https://t.co/UTyVxsDvdo — Marcel Colomb (@MarcelColomb) July 31, 2021 × The court, presided over by Judge Liselotte Henz, opted to sentence the rapist to three years instead of four years and three months. According to the judge, the perpetrator had a "medium" degree of fault in the incident. Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten reported that the judge commented on an incident in which the victim may have been making out with another man in the nightclub, and said the victim gave off certain signals and was "playing with fire". According to the newspaper, the defendant might be released on Wednesday. The reduced sentence was met with widespread criticism. In a statement, the Swiss feminist organisation Frauenstreik Basel said violence against a person comes from the perpetrator alone and is "humiliating" and "violent" no matter how long it lasts.

Rape took ‘only 11 minutes’: Swiss court cuts jail term for culprit, women protest

Swiss manager Vladimir Petkovic said his team could leave the European Championship with their heads high after being eliminated by Spain on penalty kicks in the quarter-finals on Friday in St. Petersburg.

An equalizer by captain Xherdan Shaqiri in the second half cancelled an early own goal and sent the teams to overtime, but two of the Swiss penalty kicks were stopped and one missed the target. Switzerland beat France on penalties in the round of 16.

"All these players were the heroes of the night. They would have deserved to go to the semi-finals," Petkovic told a news conference. "I cannot complain and I take my hat off to the team."

Petkovic said he could not blame Ruben Vargas for hitting his penalty over the bar in the shootout, saying instead that his player had demonstrated mental strength by even taking a spot-kick after such a long and grueling match.

Manuel Akanji's and Fabian Schar's penalty kicks were both stopped by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon.

"We had to spend all our power and energy, and our energy ran out a little," said Petkovic.

"Penalty kicks are a lottery and we lost it."

Petkovic said he had not properly seen the tackle in the 77th minute that led to the red card against Remo Freuler - who had an assist for the Switzerland equaliser - but thought it had looked more like a minor foul.

Freuler slid to win the ball back but caught Gerard Moreno in the process.

"I question it a little bit, to be honest," Petkovic said. "He (Freuler) maybe touched him a little."

Spain will face the winner of the quarter-final between Belgium and Italy in London on July 6.

Swiss manager Vladimir Petkovic said his team could leave the European Championship with their heads high after being eliminated by Spain on penalty kicks in the quarter-finals on Friday in St.

Swiss manager Vladimir Petkovic said his team could leave the European Championship with their heads high after being eliminated by Spain on penalty kicks in the quarter-finals on Friday in St. Petersburg. An equalizer by captain Xherdan Shaqiri in the second half cancelled an early own goal and sent the teams to overtime, but two of the Swiss penalty kicks were stopped and one missed the target. Switzerland beat France on penalties in the round of 16. "All these players were the heroes of the night. They would have deserved to go to the semi-finals," Petkovic told a news conference. "I cannot complain and I take my hat off to the team." Petkovic said he could not blame Ruben Vargas for hitting his penalty over the bar in the shootout, saying instead that his player had demonstrated mental strength by even taking a spot-kick after such a long and grueling match. Manuel Akanji's and Fabian Schar's penalty kicks were both stopped by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon. "We had to spend all our power and energy, and our energy ran out a little," said Petkovic. "Penalty kicks are a lottery and we lost it." Petkovic said he had not properly seen the tackle in the 77th minute that led to the red card against Remo Freuler - who had an assist for the Switzerland equaliser - but thought it had looked more like a minor foul. Freuler slid to win the ball back but caught Gerard Moreno in the process. "I question it a little bit, to be honest," Petkovic said. "He (Freuler) maybe touched him a little." Spain will face the winner of the quarter-final between Belgium and Italy in London on July 6.

Euro 2020: Switzerland exit Euro with heads high, says manager Vladimir Petkovic

Spain made minimal changes for their Euro 2020 quarter-final with Switzerland on Friday as coach Luis Enrique restored leftback Jordi Alba and centreback Pau Torres to the side while keeping the same shape as in the 5-3 win over Croatia. 
 
Alba and Pau replaced Jose Gaya and Eric Garcia respectively. 
 
The coach kept faith in keeper Unai Simon after his gaffe to let in a backpass from Pedri against Croatia and had little reason to mess with his front three of Alvaro Morata, Ferran Torres and Pablo Sarabia, who all scored in the epic victory. 
 
Switzerland made only one change from the team which staged the shock of the tournament to come from 3-1 down to beat world champions France on penalties. Holding midfielder Denis Zakaria replaced the suspended Granit Xhaka, who produced an inspired performance in the comeback. 
 
Spain are looking to reach their first semi-final in a major tournament since winning Euro 2012 while Switzerland are playing their first quarter-final since hosting the 1954 World Cup and their first last-eight match in a Euros. 
 
Switzerland: Yann Sommer; Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Steven Zuber, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Xherdan Shaqiri (captain); Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic 
 
Spain: Unai Simon; Cesar Azpilicueta, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets (captain), Koke, Pedri; Pablo Sarabia, Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata

Spain made minimal changes for their Euro 2020 quarter-final with Switzerland on Friday as coach Luis Enrique restored leftback Jordi Alba and centreback Pau Torres to the side while keeping the same shape as in the 5-3 win over Croatia.

Spain made minimal changes for their Euro 2020 quarter-final with Switzerland on Friday as coach Luis Enrique restored leftback Jordi Alba and centreback Pau Torres to the side while keeping the same shape as in the 5-3 win over Croatia. Alba and Pau replaced Jose Gaya and Eric Garcia respectively. The coach kept faith in keeper Unai Simon after his gaffe to let in a backpass from Pedri against Croatia and had little reason to mess with his front three of Alvaro Morata, Ferran Torres and Pablo Sarabia, who all scored in the epic victory. Switzerland made only one change from the team which staged the shock of the tournament to come from 3-1 down to beat world champions France on penalties. Holding midfielder Denis Zakaria replaced the suspended Granit Xhaka, who produced an inspired performance in the comeback. Spain are looking to reach their first semi-final in a major tournament since winning Euro 2012 while Switzerland are playing their first quarter-final since hosting the 1954 World Cup and their first last-eight match in a Euros. Switzerland: Yann Sommer; Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Steven Zuber, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Xherdan Shaqiri (captain); Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic Spain: Unai Simon; Cesar Azpilicueta, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets (captain), Koke, Pedri; Pablo Sarabia, Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata

Euro 2020-Few changes for Spain and Switzerland in quarter-final clash

The UEFA Euro 2020 is back with a bunch of significant quarterfinal apparatuses this end of the week as Spain takes on Sweden at the Krestovsky Stadium on Friday. The two groups won exhausting take-out challenges recently and should burrow profound to traverse this match.&nbsp;

Switzerland pulled off the resentment of the competition so exceptionally far as they paralyzed France in a penalty shoot-out to arrive at the quarterfinals. Switzerland can sneak up all of a sudden on their day and will require a comparative exhibition to get to the following phase of Euro 2020.&nbsp;

Spain began their Euro 2020 mission in a disappointing fashion yet has figured out how to bob back and score ten goals in two games. They pulled off a splendid 5-3 triumph against Croatia in their last game.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-unai-simon-tortured-by-error-but-appreciates-team-mates-solidarity-394934" hreflang="en">Euro 2020: Unai Simon 'tortured' by error but appreciates team mates' solidarity</a>

<h2>Head-to-Head</h2>

Spain have a great record against Switzerland and have won 16 matches out of an aggregate of 22 games played between the two teams. Switzerland have overseen only one triumph against Spain and should work out of their skins this end of the week.&nbsp;

The last meeting between the two groups occurred in the UEFA Nations League last year and finished in a 1-1 draw.&nbsp;

<h2>Switzerland vs. Spain&nbsp;</h2>

Switzerland have additionally been in great goalscoring structure at Euro 2020 and has scored three goals in every one of their last two games. The dark horses had never scored multiple goals in a Euro match before this year and may well make more history this end of the week.&nbsp;

Granit Xhaka got his subsequent yellow card against France this week and his suspension will come as a significant hit to Switzerland's fortunes. Denis Zakaria will probably supplant the Swiss star.

Switzerland possible&nbsp;XI: Yann Sommer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Kevin Mbabu, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Steven Zuber, Xherdan Shaqiri, Haris Seferovic, Breel Embolo.

After low-scoring matches, their initial two matches at Euro 2020, Spain have at long last discovered their rhythm and turned into the first team to score five goals in two successive matches. Cesar Azpilicueta and Eric Garcia are likely to get the nod over Marcos Llorente and Pau Torres to feature at the back, while there are not expected to be any alterations to the midfield three.

With his thrilling strike in additional time against Croatia, Alvaro Morata joined Fernando Torres as Spain's most productive goalscorer at the Euros with five strikes.

Spain possible XI: Unai Simon, Cesar Azpilicueta, Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Koke, Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata, Pablo Sarabia.

The UEFA Euro 2020 is back with a bunch of significant quarterfinal apparatuses this end of the week as Spain takes on Sweden at the Krestovsky Stadium on Friday.

The UEFA Euro 2020 is back with a bunch of significant quarterfinal apparatuses this end of the week as Spain takes on Sweden at the Krestovsky Stadium on Friday. The two groups won exhausting take-out challenges recently and should burrow profound to traverse this match. Switzerland pulled off the resentment of the competition so exceptionally far as they paralyzed France in a penalty shoot-out to arrive at the quarterfinals. Switzerland can sneak up all of a sudden on their day and will require a comparative exhibition to get to the following phase of Euro 2020. Spain began their Euro 2020 mission in a disappointing fashion yet has figured out how to bob back and score ten goals in two games. They pulled off a splendid 5-3 triumph against Croatia in their last game. ALSO READ: Euro 2020: Unai Simon 'tortured' by error but appreciates team mates' solidarity Head-to-Head Spain have a great record against Switzerland and have won 16 matches out of an aggregate of 22 games played between the two teams. Switzerland have overseen only one triumph against Spain and should work out of their skins this end of the week. The last meeting between the two groups occurred in the UEFA Nations League last year and finished in a 1-1 draw. Switzerland vs. Spain Switzerland have additionally been in great goalscoring structure at Euro 2020 and has scored three goals in every one of their last two games. The dark horses had never scored multiple goals in a Euro match before this year and may well make more history this end of the week. Granit Xhaka got his subsequent yellow card against France this week and his suspension will come as a significant hit to Switzerland's fortunes. Denis Zakaria will probably supplant the Swiss star. Switzerland possible XI: Yann Sommer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Kevin Mbabu, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Steven Zuber, Xherdan Shaqiri, Haris Seferovic, Breel Embolo. After low-scoring matches, their initial two matches at Euro 2020, Spain have at long last discovered their rhythm and turned into the first team to score five goals in two successive matches. Cesar Azpilicueta and Eric Garcia are likely to get the nod over Marcos Llorente and Pau Torres to feature at the back, while there are not expected to be any alterations to the midfield three. With his thrilling strike in additional time against Croatia, Alvaro Morata joined Fernando Torres as Spain's most productive goalscorer at the Euros with five strikes. Spain possible XI: Unai Simon, Cesar Azpilicueta, Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Koke, Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata, Pablo Sarabia.

Euro 2020: Quarter-finals swing into action as Spain takes on Switzerland

Switzerland's Yann Sommer saved France striker Kylian Mbappe's penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout win over the world champions following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time on Monday to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Spain.

On a memorable evening for Swiss&nbsp;football, the so-called Nati repeatedly beat the odds, coming from 3-1 down with two goals in the final five minutes to force extra time and eventually penalties.

It was Switzerland's first knockout stage victory at a tournament since 1938 and the first time they have made the last eight since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted. They will next face Spain on Friday in St Petersburg.

"Honestly I am still in shock," said Sommer, who became the most capped Swiss keeper with 65 international appearances.

"We showed courage, heart, we left everything out there. When you come back from two goals down against the world champions it is just unbelievable, and then to win on penalties, I could not be prouder of the way we did it."

France, who had started with an unusual three-man defense and lacked any real bite upfront in the first half, looked to be heading for victory when Karim Benzema struck twice in two minutes early in the second half.

He latched on to Mbappe's through ball in the 57th minute to cancel out Switzerland's first-half lead from Haris Seferovic's header.

Benzema then headed home from near the goal-line two minutes later to take his tournament tally to four as France grabbed control of the game only minutes after the Swiss missed a 55th-minute penalty and the chance to go 2-0 up when Hugo Lloris saved Ricardo Rodriguez's spot-kick.

SWISS COMEBACK

By the time Paul Pogba curled a sensational shot into the top corner in the 75th minute to make it 3-1 for France, who had reverted to a four-man backline in the second half, few believed the momentum could shift once more.

"Nobody believed in us anymore at that stage," Sommer said. "But before the game, we had said no matter what happens in the game, it doesn’t matter if we’re down, or if things are going well, we play until the end.

"We felt France had become a bit complacent and maybe thought they had already won it. So we used that to our advantage."

Seferovic sneaked into the box again to head in his second goal with five minutes left and substitute Mario Gavranovic beat Lloris to snatch a 90th-minute equalizer and force extra time after France substitute Kingsley Coman's drive hit the bar.

Olivier Giroud twice came close for France having come off the bench but the game was to be resolved on penalties where Sommer swatted Mbappe's spot-kick away after five Swiss players had scored to earn their first-ever tournament shootout win.

The result means France coach Didier Deschamps will miss out on becoming the first man to win World Cup and Euro titles both as a player and a coach.

"It is my responsibility and I told the players that I assume it," Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, said of the shock loss.

"When France wins merit goes always to the players. When things are less good then it is my responsibility. But that's the way sport is. You have to accept it even if it hurts."

Switzerland's Yann Sommer saved France striker Kylian Mbappe's penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout win over the world champions following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time on Monday to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Spain.

Switzerland's Yann Sommer saved France striker Kylian Mbappe's penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout win over the world champions following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time on Monday to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Spain. On a memorable evening for Swiss football, the so-called Nati repeatedly beat the odds, coming from 3-1 down with two goals in the final five minutes to force extra time and eventually penalties. It was Switzerland's first knockout stage victory at a tournament since 1938 and the first time they have made the last eight since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted. They will next face Spain on Friday in St Petersburg. "Honestly I am still in shock," said Sommer, who became the most capped Swiss keeper with 65 international appearances. "We showed courage, heart, we left everything out there. When you come back from two goals down against the world champions it is just unbelievable, and then to win on penalties, I could not be prouder of the way we did it." France, who had started with an unusual three-man defense and lacked any real bite upfront in the first half, looked to be heading for victory when Karim Benzema struck twice in two minutes early in the second half. He latched on to Mbappe's through ball in the 57th minute to cancel out Switzerland's first-half lead from Haris Seferovic's header. Benzema then headed home from near the goal-line two minutes later to take his tournament tally to four as France grabbed control of the game only minutes after the Swiss missed a 55th-minute penalty and the chance to go 2-0 up when Hugo Lloris saved Ricardo Rodriguez's spot-kick. SWISS COMEBACK By the time Paul Pogba curled a sensational shot into the top corner in the 75th minute to make it 3-1 for France, who had reverted to a four-man backline in the second half, few believed the momentum could shift once more. "Nobody believed in us anymore at that stage," Sommer said. "But before the game, we had said no matter what happens in the game, it doesn’t matter if we’re down, or if things are going well, we play until the end. "We felt France had become a bit complacent and maybe thought they had already won it. So we used that to our advantage." Seferovic sneaked into the box again to head in his second goal with five minutes left and substitute Mario Gavranovic beat Lloris to snatch a 90th-minute equalizer and force extra time after France substitute Kingsley Coman's drive hit the bar. Olivier Giroud twice came close for France having come off the bench but the game was to be resolved on penalties where Sommer swatted Mbappe's spot-kick away after five Swiss players had scored to earn their first-ever tournament shootout win. The result means France coach Didier Deschamps will miss out on becoming the first man to win World Cup and Euro titles both as a player and a coach. "It is my responsibility and I told the players that I assume it," Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, said of the shock loss. "When France wins merit goes always to the players. When things are less good then it is my responsibility. But that's the way sport is. You have to accept it even if it hurts."

Euro 2020: Switzerland beat France on penalties to reach Euro 2020 last eight

World champions France are facing mounting injuries ahead of their Euro 2020 Round of 16 matches against Switzerland on Monday, with coach Didier Deschamps struggling for options.

The French qualified less convincingly than initially expected after drawing 2-2 against Portugal in their final group game, having won one of three Group F games.

France left-back Lucas Hernandez had to be taken off with a knee injury after the first half and remains doubtful against Switzerland.

His replacement Lucas Digne is also nursing a hamstring injury and looks unlikely to be fit for Monday, forcing potential changes to Deschamps' defensive plans.

Digne's replacement in the game against Portugal, midfielder Adrien Rabiot, has himself been dealing with a nagging ankle injury since the end of the season and is not yet at 100%.

To make matters worse, Thomas Lemar suffered a leg injury and Marcus Thuram hurt his right thigh in training on Thursday, hobbling off the pitch with the support of medical staff.

France is already without Ousmane Dembele after the forward had to be taken off injured in their second group game against Hungary. Dembele has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament and will require knee surgery.

But despite the injuries, France remains the clear favourites for the game against the Swiss.

Deschamps, attempting to become the first man to win World Cups and Euros both as player and coach, maybe struggling with fit defenders but he has won back a striker.

Karim Benzema, who was recalled to the national team for the tournament after a nearly six-year absence, scored twice against Portugal.

The French have also never lost to the Swiss in a competitive game. While they are very familiar with the latter stages of a tournament, their opponents have not reached a quarter-final of a major tournament in 67 years, ever since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted.

Switzerland qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

"Anything can happen in a tournament," said Switzerland defender Ricardo Rodriguez. "We are fit and ready. We have to be compact in defense and use our few chances. We know the French have a fantastic bench as well."

"We will give it all we have. We have already trained penalties and almost everyone scored," he smiled.

The winners will play the winners of the Round of 16 ties between Spain and Croatia.

World champions France are facing mounting injuries ahead of their Euro 2020 Round of 16 matches against Switzerland on Monday, with coach Didier Deschamps struggling for options.

World champions France are facing mounting injuries ahead of their Euro 2020 Round of 16 matches against Switzerland on Monday, with coach Didier Deschamps struggling for options. The French qualified less convincingly than initially expected after drawing 2-2 against Portugal in their final group game, having won one of three Group F games. France left-back Lucas Hernandez had to be taken off with a knee injury after the first half and remains doubtful against Switzerland. His replacement Lucas Digne is also nursing a hamstring injury and looks unlikely to be fit for Monday, forcing potential changes to Deschamps' defensive plans. Digne's replacement in the game against Portugal, midfielder Adrien Rabiot, has himself been dealing with a nagging ankle injury since the end of the season and is not yet at 100%. To make matters worse, Thomas Lemar suffered a leg injury and Marcus Thuram hurt his right thigh in training on Thursday, hobbling off the pitch with the support of medical staff. France is already without Ousmane Dembele after the forward had to be taken off injured in their second group game against Hungary. Dembele has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament and will require knee surgery. But despite the injuries, France remains the clear favourites for the game against the Swiss. Deschamps, attempting to become the first man to win World Cups and Euros both as player and coach, maybe struggling with fit defenders but he has won back a striker. Karim Benzema, who was recalled to the national team for the tournament after a nearly six-year absence, scored twice against Portugal. The French have also never lost to the Swiss in a competitive game. While they are very familiar with the latter stages of a tournament, their opponents have not reached a quarter-final of a major tournament in 67 years, ever since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted. Switzerland qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. "Anything can happen in a tournament," said Switzerland defender Ricardo Rodriguez. "We are fit and ready. We have to be compact in defense and use our few chances. We know the French have a fantastic bench as well." "We will give it all we have. We have already trained penalties and almost everyone scored," he smiled. The winners will play the winners of the Round of 16 ties between Spain and Croatia.

Football: Injuries pile up for France ahead of Switzerland clash

Some 12% of all Swiss banknotes in circulation are kept by people at home as stores of value, according to the study.

Stashed cash doesn't affect Swiss monetary policy

A&nbsp;Liberian&nbsp;rebel commander was sentenced in Switzerland to 20 years in jail on Friday for rape, killings and an act of cannibalism, in one of the first-ever convictions over the West African country's civil war.

The case was also Switzerland's first war crimes trial in a civilian court. It involved 46-year-old Alieu Kosiah who went by the nom de guerre "bluff boy" in the rebel faction ULIMO that fought former President Charles Taylor's army in the 1990s.

Kosiah faced 25 charges including one where he was accused of eating slices of a man's heart. He was convicted of that and all but four of the other counts, documents from the Swiss Federal Court showed.

He was arrested in 2014 in Switzerland, where he had been living as a permanent resident. A 2011 Swiss law allows prosecution for serious crimes committed anywhere, under the principle of universal jurisdiction.

A plaintiff in the case who testified that Kosiah ordered his brother's murder urged other&nbsp;Liberians to come forward as witnesses and secure more convictions.

"If you set an example, the other guys will be afraid," he said in a statement via the NGO Civitas Maxima that represented him. He asked not to be named in media reports for fear of reprisals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-cancel-deal-for-near-expired-covid-19-vaccines-from-israel-392515">Also Read |&nbsp;Palestinians cancel deal for near-expired COVID-19 vaccines from Israel</a>

Liberia has ignored pressure to prosecute crimes from its back-to-back wars between 1989-2003, in which thousands of child soldiers became bound up in power tussles exacerbated by ethnic rivalry.

Human Rights Watch called Friday's sentencing a "landmark".

"Switzerland’s efforts on this case should help mobilize wider accountability in Liberia as this shows that these crimes can be prosecuted. I see this as an opportunity," the group's Elise Keppler said.

DEPORTATION, COMPENSATION

Activists in the&nbsp;Liberian&nbsp;capital Monrovia celebrated the verdict. "This will serve as a deterrent for others around the world. I think justice has taken its course," said Dan Sayeh, a civil society campaigner.

Kosiah had denied all the charges and told the court he was a minor when first recruited into the conflict. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on the sentence.

Kosiah was cleared on Friday of attempted murder of a civilian, accessory to the murder of a civilian, an order to loot and recruitment of a child soldier.

The court said that the 20-year sentence was the maximum it was allowed to give under Swiss law.

"No mitigating circumstances were taken into account in the sentencing. Deportation from Switzerland was also ordered for a period of 15 years," it said. Kosiah was also ordered to pay compensation to seven plaintiffs, it added.

It was not immediately clear when the deportation would occur. The roughly 6-1/2 years that Kosiah has already served in pre-trial detention will count towards the sentence, the court papers showed.

Charles Taylor was sentenced for war crimes in 2012, but only for acts in neighbouring Sierra Leone. His son, Chuckie, was sentenced for torture in Liberia by a U.S. court in 2009.

A Liberian rebel commander was sentenced in Switzerland to 20 years in jail on Friday for rape, killings and an act of cannibalism, in one of the first-ever convictions over the West African country's civil war.

A Liberian rebel commander was sentenced in Switzerland to 20 years in jail on Friday for rape, killings and an act of cannibalism, in one of the first-ever convictions over the West African country's civil war. The case was also Switzerland's first war crimes trial in a civilian court. It involved 46-year-old Alieu Kosiah who went by the nom de guerre "bluff boy" in the rebel faction ULIMO that fought former President Charles Taylor's army in the 1990s. Kosiah faced 25 charges including one where he was accused of eating slices of a man's heart. He was convicted of that and all but four of the other counts, documents from the Swiss Federal Court showed. He was arrested in 2014 in Switzerland, where he had been living as a permanent resident. A 2011 Swiss law allows prosecution for serious crimes committed anywhere, under the principle of universal jurisdiction. A plaintiff in the case who testified that Kosiah ordered his brother's murder urged other Liberians to come forward as witnesses and secure more convictions. "If you set an example, the other guys will be afraid," he said in a statement via the NGO Civitas Maxima that represented him. He asked not to be named in media reports for fear of reprisals. Also Read | Palestinians cancel deal for near-expired COVID-19 vaccines from Israel Liberia has ignored pressure to prosecute crimes from its back-to-back wars between 1989-2003, in which thousands of child soldiers became bound up in power tussles exacerbated by ethnic rivalry. Human Rights Watch called Friday's sentencing a "landmark". "Switzerland’s efforts on this case should help mobilize wider accountability in Liberia as this shows that these crimes can be prosecuted. I see this as an opportunity," the group's Elise Keppler said. DEPORTATION, COMPENSATION Activists in the Liberian capital Monrovia celebrated the verdict. "This will serve as a deterrent for others around the world. I think justice has taken its course," said Dan Sayeh, a civil society campaigner. Kosiah had denied all the charges and told the court he was a minor when first recruited into the conflict. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on the sentence. Kosiah was cleared on Friday of attempted murder of a civilian, accessory to the murder of a civilian, an order to loot and recruitment of a child soldier. The court said that the 20-year sentence was the maximum it was allowed to give under Swiss law. "No mitigating circumstances were taken into account in the sentencing. Deportation from Switzerland was also ordered for a period of 15 years," it said. Kosiah was also ordered to pay compensation to seven plaintiffs, it added. It was not immediately clear when the deportation would occur. The roughly 6-1/2 years that Kosiah has already served in pre-trial detention will count towards the sentence, the court papers showed. Charles Taylor was sentenced for war crimes in 2012, but only for acts in neighbouring Sierra Leone. His son, Chuckie, was sentenced for torture in Liberia by a U.S. court in 2009.

Liberian rebel sentenced in Switzerland for war crimes, cannibalism

Swiss mountain sanatoriums, whose fresh air and sunlight cures once drew tuberculosis patients from across Europe, are reinventing themselves for patients suffering from the lingering effects of COVID-19.

Swiss "Magic Mountain" TB clinics treat long COVID to stay relevant

Pakistani diplomats have brought shame to their country again. A report claims that employees of Pakistani diplomatic mission in Geneva were forced to work without pay for "almost 20 years". The workers have now filed a complaint with the Office of the Public Prosecutor. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Pakistani diplomats in Switzerland didn't pay employees for "20 years"

Five people died when a glider and a small plane crashed in the Swiss Alps at the weekend, police said Monday, adding that they were investigating whether the two accidents were linked.

A small plane with the pilot and three other people on board, including a child, crashed on the Piz Nair mountain in eastern Switzerland on Saturday, killing everyone on board, regional police in the canton of Graubunden said in a statement.

The wreckage was found on Sunday by rescue workers out looking for a glider that crashed nearby on Saturday, killing the pilot.

The glider had crashed about one kilometre away from where the plane was found, at an altitude of 2,700 metres (8,850 feet) above the village of Bivio.

Poor weather had made it impossible for rescue workers to access that crash site when they first got the call Saturday evening.

The formal identification of the victims had yet to be completed on Monday, the police statement said.

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) was investigating the cause of the accidents, including whether there was a connection between them, it added.

Five people died when a glider and a small plane crashed in the Swiss Alps at the weekend, police said Monday, adding that they were investigating whether the two accidents were linked.

Five people died when a glider and a small plane crashed in the Swiss Alps at the weekend, police said Monday, adding that they were investigating whether the two accidents were linked. A small plane with the pilot and three other people on board, including a child, crashed on the Piz Nair mountain in eastern Switzerland on Saturday, killing everyone on board, regional police in the canton of Graubunden said in a statement. The wreckage was found on Sunday by rescue workers out looking for a glider that crashed nearby on Saturday, killing the pilot. The glider had crashed about one kilometre away from where the plane was found, at an altitude of 2,700 metres (8,850 feet) above the village of Bivio. Poor weather had made it impossible for rescue workers to access that crash site when they first got the call Saturday evening. The formal identification of the victims had yet to be completed on Monday, the police statement said. The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) was investigating the cause of the accidents, including whether there was a connection between them, it added.

Switzerland: Five killed in plane and glider crash in Swiss Alps

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday rejected three environmental proposals. These included a new law which was intended to help the country meet carbon emissions cut goals under the Paris Agreement

A new CO2 law was narrowly rejected, with 51.6% of voters opposing it in a nationwide referendum conducted under the country's system of direct democracy.

The result was a defeat for the Swiss government. The government supported the new law which included measures like increasing a surcharge on car fuel and imposing a levy on flight tickets

The rejection meant it would now be "very difficult" for Switzerland to reach its 2030 goal of cutting carbon emissions to half of their 1990 levels and to be become net neutral on emissions by 2050, Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga said.

"Today's no is not a no to climate protection, it is a no to the law on which we have voted," Sommaruga told a news conference.

"Debates in the last few weeks have shown that many people want to strengthen the climate protection but not with this law," she said.

The government would now seek to extend uncontroversial measures like a duty for fuel importers to invest in climate protection projects, and attempt to forge a new consensus with the population on climate policies, she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday rejected three environmental proposals. These included a new law which was intended to help the country meet carbon emissions cut goals under the Paris Agreement A new CO2 law was narrowly rejected, with 51.

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday rejected three environmental proposals. These included a new law which was intended to help the country meet carbon emissions cut goals under the Paris Agreement A new CO2 law was narrowly rejected, with 51.6% of voters opposing it in a nationwide referendum conducted under the country's system of direct democracy. The result was a defeat for the Swiss government. The government supported the new law which included measures like increasing a surcharge on car fuel and imposing a levy on flight tickets The rejection meant it would now be "very difficult" for Switzerland to reach its 2030 goal of cutting carbon emissions to half of their 1990 levels and to be become net neutral on emissions by 2050, Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga said. "Today's no is not a no to climate protection, it is a no to the law on which we have voted," Sommaruga told a news conference. "Debates in the last few weeks have shown that many people want to strengthen the climate protection but not with this law," she said. The government would now seek to extend uncontroversial measures like a duty for fuel importers to invest in climate protection projects, and attempt to forge a new consensus with the population on climate policies, she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Swiss reject law intended to help country meet Paris Agreement goals

Switzerland voted in a referendum on Sunday whether to ban synthetic pesticides, including imported foods, produced using such pesticides. Supporters of the campaign hope the ban will inspire similar restrictions in other countries.

Switzerland  to be the first European nation to vote on a referendum to ban synthetic pesticides

Switzerland has decided to end the seven-year negotiations with the European Union to modernize their bilateral relations.

Switzerland rejects new bilateral treaty with the EU over free movement directive

Illuminated by the delicate gleam of dozens of candles on stage, French pianist Eric Artz performed in his first concert in seven months on Wednesday night (May 19) in Geneva.

'Back to life': Pianist performs first show in months in Geneva

French electro artist Teho performed a set in an unusual setting in last April, at an altitude of 3000 metres amid the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps.

Climb up and dance: electro artist performs on top of a Swiss mountain

Residents in the Swiss city of Zurich were treated to the calming melody played by an organist as they received their vaccines in a church on Wednesday (May 12).

A needle and a tune: organist plays during vaccination in Zurich church

Preserved human corpses, some holding tennis rackets and others gathered around a game of poker, adorned a Zurich exhibition hall on Friday (May 7) for a traveling exhibit that encourages people to reflect on their existence. The "Body Worlds" exhibition in Zurich aims to show people the one constant in the rapidly evolving and fast-paced modern world: the human body.

Donate a body for art and science? Zurich exhibition gives food for thought

Switzerland joined the league of countries who are extending assistance to India by sending 600 oxygen concentrators and 50 respirators worth approx. USD 3.3 million. The Swiss assistance comes even as India battles the 2nd wave of the COVID pandemic.

Envoy Dr Ralf Heckner speaks to WION on assistance, Vaccine Patent Wavier

Switzerland, on Thursday, joined the league of countries that are extending assistance to India by sending 600 oxygen concentrators and 50 respirators worth&nbsp;$3.3 million approx.

The Swiss assistance comes as India battles the second wave of the covid pandemic. Speaking WION's&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal, Swiss Ambassador to India Dr Ralf Heckner said, "It is good to see not only the swiss government and the swiss people but also the Swiss private sector are stepping up. Lots of solidarity coming from Switzerland to India."

Nearly 40 Swiss companies have also come together and pledged medical relief worth over CHF 7 million for India’s fight against COVID-19. The medical relief package includes oxygen concentrators, rapid antigen test kits, ventilators, portable suction pumps and helmets with ventilation for medical staff.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/american-civil-rights-activist-urges-biden-to-give-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-india-383443" hreflang="en">American civil rights activist urges Biden to give AstraZeneca vaccine to India</a>

Asked about concerns about the support reaching to various end-users, the envoy said, "In my own assessment, give the Indian government some more time to finalise the structures and processes."

Talking about the covid vaccine patent wavier, Heckner said, "With the decision of the US government,&nbsp;we have a new situation" and he assured that the&nbsp;"swiss government is assessing the new situation".&nbsp;

WION: Switzerland has sent humanitarian aid to India. If you can provide us details of the assistance? 
Dr&nbsp;Ralf Heckner: This is a huge crisis, a lot of people are suffering in India. On the other side, we see a lot of international solidarity. About 40 countries are providing relief package to India and I am happy to say Switzerland is among those countries. Last night swiss cargo flight landed in New Delhi with 13 tons of medical equipment. We had 600 oxygen concentrators onboard and 50 ventilators. Ventilators came from the stock of Swiss armed force — originally for the Swiss people. Now they are here to assist the suffering Indian population and humanitarian aid has arrived in India. I am happy this was done quickly and we handed over the goods to the Indian red cross society.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-second-wave-in-india-a-tragedy-says-us-surgeon-general-dr-vivek-murthy-383432" hreflang="en">Covid second wave in India a tragedy, says US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy</a>

WION:&nbsp;The private sector from Switzerland has also stepped in to help India. Can you give us more information on that? 
Dr Ralf Heckner: Indeed the private sector is part and parcel of this solidarity coming from Switzerland. You might know Switzerland is one of the most important trade and investment partners of India. There are more than 300 Swiss businesses in India, 120 Indian businesses in Switzerland and they come together under the Swiss-India chamber of commerce. My embassy, together with the Swiss business hub in Mumbai with the Swiss India chamber of commerce, coordinated the relief package from the private sector. More than 30 swiss businesses are part of the relief package. The first cargo will arrive on Saturday morning in Delhi with 100 oxygen concentrators again. It is good to see not only the swiss government and the swiss people but also the Swiss private sector are stepping up. Lots of solidarity coming from Switzerland to India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-after-backlash-australia-to-send-repatriation-flights-for-stranded-citizens-in-india-383399" hreflang="en">COVID-19: After backlash, Australia to send repatriation flights for stranded citizens in India</a>

WION:&nbsp;The Swiss Development Agency worked with Indian cities to detect covid in wastewater systems. Can you tell us about that? 
Dr&nbsp;Ralf Heckner: Last year when COVID stuck, the swiss development agency redirected programmes, projects, and funds in order to fight covid. That was also done here in India. Normally, the Swiss Development Agency in India is dealing with global warming and climate change. Last year, the Swiss development agency invested in projects that helped city authorities to detect covid early on in wastewater. It is an important early warning system for municipal authorities in order to detect covid early on —&nbsp;before you have people coming into hospitals. This is not only being done in India, but in swiss cities as well. Wastewater covid early detection system is very important for our policymakers at the municipal level to act early on during a covid crisis.&nbsp;

WION: Any concerns about the end-use of humanitarian aid? 
Dr Ralf Heckner: First and foremost it is important how this relief effort is being done. For this relief package from Switzerland, our partner here is the Indian Red Cross Society. So, the cargo last night was handed over to the Indian Red Cross Society, and our relief goods will be dispatched and distributed through the Ministry of Health. So, my embassy is not distributing the relief items.

Early in my career, I was head of the crisis management center of the Swiss federal department of foreign affairs where my job was to look after swiss citizens abroad in a crisis situation and I learned there that it needs time ahead of the beginning of the crisis to get the right structures and the right processes in place in order to be able to efficiently deal with and manage that crisis. That is exactly what I am seeing here now when it comes to the Indian government. The Indian government is setting up the right structures and the right processes when it comes to dealing with the crisis and also dispatching the incoming relief items. In my own assessment, give the Indian government some more time to finalise the structures and processes.&nbsp;

WION: Any travel advisory for travellers coming from India? 
Dr&nbsp;Ralf Heckner: One year ago, we changed our travel advice, but it is the same for more or less all the countries of the globe. The swiss authorities are advising the locals to only travel in case of necessity. That is the travel advisory&nbsp;that is in place for almost all countries of this planet and also for India. In that respect, we did not change our travel advisory when it comes to India.

WION:&nbsp;Is your government planning any evacuations for&nbsp;embassy officials?&nbsp; 
Dr Ralf Heckner: The foreign minister was very clear right at the beginning of the crisis that missions abroad have to remain functional. They have to work, and&nbsp;move on, and do their business. For that reason, the transferrable staff remains abroad and that is the policy that remains up to today.

We have all the staff members here in Delhi, transferrable staff members in Mumbai and Bangalore, who will stay in India.&nbsp;When it comes to the situation of my embassy and consular generals in Mumbai, there is the swiss business hub in Mumbai, the CG in Bangalore. We had to evacuate a transferrable staff member from Banglore to Switzerland because of COVID, two weeks ago.

When it comes to the situation here in the embassy, I have a number of local staff members who are ill in different stages of COVID. Luckily, no severe case has been reported yet.

Our covid measures are strict from the beginning.&nbsp;I arrived in September and have always kept very strict covid measures here at the embassy and that was the right decision. In early March I felt&nbsp;some of my staff members wanted to go back to normal and tried putting some pressure on me to change our covid mitigation measures, and I made it clear at the start of March that it was not the time to let down our guard. That situation in India reminds me of the situation of last summer in Europe. In October, with the cold coming in Europe, we had the start of a big wave in Europe and Switzerland. So, we remain very cautious and prudent when it comes to covid here at the embassy, in Banglore and Mumbai.&nbsp;

WION: US has announced support for vaccine intellectual property right wavier. What is the Swiss government's stance? 
Dr&nbsp;Ralf Heckner: With the decision of the US government, we have a new situation and that means that the Swiss government is assessing the new situation, and based on that we will take a position. So, I am aware this is happening now in Bern, and let us wait and see what the outcome will be.

Switzerland, on Thursday, joined the league of countries that are extending assistance to India by sending 600 oxygen concentrators and 50 respirators worth $3.3 million approx.

Switzerland, on Thursday, joined the league of countries that are extending assistance to India by sending 600 oxygen concentrators and 50 respirators worth $3.3 million approx. The Swiss assistance comes as India battles the second wave of the covid pandemic. Speaking WION's Sidhant Sibal, Swiss Ambassador to India Dr Ralf Heckner said, "It is good to see not only the swiss government and the swiss people but also the Swiss private sector are stepping up. Lots of solidarity coming from Switzerland to India." Nearly 40 Swiss companies have also come together and pledged medical relief worth over CHF 7 million for India’s fight against COVID-19. The medical relief package includes oxygen concentrators, rapid antigen test kits, ventilators, portable suction pumps and helmets with ventilation for medical staff. Also read | American civil rights activist urges Biden to give AstraZeneca vaccine to India Asked about concerns about the support reaching to various end-users, the envoy said, "In my own assessment, give the Indian government some more time to finalise the structures and processes." Talking about the covid vaccine patent wavier, Heckner said, "With the decision of the US government, we have a new situation" and he assured that the "swiss government is assessing the new situation". WION: Switzerland has sent humanitarian aid to India. If you can provide us details of the assistance? Dr Ralf Heckner: This is a huge crisis, a lot of people are suffering in India. On the other side, we see a lot of international solidarity. About 40 countries are providing relief package to India and I am happy to say Switzerland is among those countries. Last night swiss cargo flight landed in New Delhi with 13 tons of medical equipment. We had 600 oxygen concentrators onboard and 50 ventilators. Ventilators came from the stock of Swiss armed force — originally for the Swiss people. Now they are here to assist the suffering Indian population and humanitarian aid has arrived in India. I am happy this was done quickly and we handed over the goods to the Indian red cross society. Also read | Covid second wave in India a tragedy, says US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy WION: The private sector from Switzerland has also stepped in to help India. Can you give us more information on that? Dr Ralf Heckner: Indeed the private sector is part and parcel of this solidarity coming from Switzerland. You might know Switzerland is one of the most important trade and investment partners of India. There are more than 300 Swiss businesses in India, 120 Indian businesses in Switzerland and they come together under the Swiss-India chamber of commerce. My embassy, together with the Swiss business hub in Mumbai with the Swiss India chamber of commerce, coordinated the relief package from the private sector. More than 30 swiss businesses are part of the relief package. The first cargo will arrive on Saturday morning in Delhi with 100 oxygen concentrators again. It is good to see not only the swiss government and the swiss people but also the Swiss private sector are stepping up. Lots of solidarity coming from Switzerland to India. Also read | COVID-19: After backlash, Australia to send repatriation flights for stranded citizens in India WION: The Swiss Development Agency worked with Indian cities to detect covid in wastewater systems. Can you tell us about that? Dr Ralf Heckner: Last year when COVID stuck, the swiss development agency redirected programmes, projects, and funds in order to fight covid. That was also done here in India. Normally, the Swiss Development Agency in India is dealing with global warming and climate change. Last year, the Swiss development agency invested in projects that helped city authorities to detect covid early on in wastewater. It is an important early warning system for municipal authorities in order to detect covid early on — before you have people coming into hospitals. This is not only being done in India, but in swiss cities as well. Wastewater covid early detection system is very important for our policymakers at the municipal level to act early on during a covid crisis. WION: Any concerns about the end-use of humanitarian aid? Dr Ralf Heckner: First and foremost it is important how this relief effort is being done. For this relief package from Switzerland, our partner here is the Indian Red Cross Society. So, the cargo last night was handed over to the Indian Red Cross Society, and our relief goods will be dispatched and distributed through the Ministry of Health. So, my embassy is not distributing the relief items. Early in my career, I was head of the crisis management center of the Swiss federal department of foreign affairs where my job was to look after swiss citizens abroad in a crisis situation and I learned there that it needs time ahead of the beginning of the crisis to get the right structures and the right processes in place in order to be able to efficiently deal with and manage that crisis. That is exactly what I am seeing here now when it comes to the Indian government. The Indian government is setting up the right structures and the right processes when it comes to dealing with the crisis and also dispatching the incoming relief items. In my own assessment, give the Indian government some more time to finalise the structures and processes. WION: Any travel advisory for travellers coming from India? Dr Ralf Heckner: One year ago, we changed our travel advice, but it is the same for more or less all the countries of the globe. The swiss authorities are advising the locals to only travel in case of necessity. That is the travel advisory that is in place for almost all countries of this planet and also for India. In that respect, we did not change our travel advisory when it comes to India. WION: Is your government planning any evacuations for embassy officials? Dr Ralf Heckner: The foreign minister was very clear right at the beginning of the crisis that missions abroad have to remain functional. They have to work, and move on, and do their business. For that reason, the transferrable staff remains abroad and that is the policy that remains up to today. We have all the staff members here in Delhi, transferrable staff members in Mumbai and Bangalore, who will stay in India. When it comes to the situation of my embassy and consular generals in Mumbai, there is the swiss business hub in Mumbai, the CG in Bangalore. We had to evacuate a transferrable staff member from Banglore to Switzerland because of COVID, two weeks ago. When it comes to the situation here in the embassy, I have a number of local staff members who are ill in different stages of COVID. Luckily, no severe case has been reported yet. Our covid measures are strict from the beginning. I arrived in September and have always kept very strict covid measures here at the embassy and that was the right decision. In early March I felt some of my staff members wanted to go back to normal and tried putting some pressure on me to change our covid mitigation measures, and I made it clear at the start of March that it was not the time to let down our guard. That situation in India reminds me of the situation of last summer in Europe. In October, with the cold coming in Europe, we had the start of a big wave in Europe and Switzerland. So, we remain very cautious and prudent when it comes to covid here at the embassy, in Banglore and Mumbai. WION: US has announced support for vaccine intellectual property right wavier. What is the Swiss government's stance? Dr Ralf Heckner: With the decision of the US government, we have a new situation and that means that the Swiss government is assessing the new situation, and based on that we will take a position. So, I am aware this is happening now in Bern, and let us wait and see what the outcome will be.

Switzerland extends assistance to India; breaks silence on covid vaccine patent wavier

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