Switzerland Accommodation

Switzerland industrialized rapidly during the 19th century and by 1850 had become the second most industrialized country in Europe after Great Britain. During World War I serious tension developed between the German, French, and Italian-speaking parts of the country, and Switzerland came close to violating its neutrality but managed to stay out of hostilities. Labor unrest culminating in a general strike in 1918 marked the interwar period, but in 1937 employers and the largest trade union concluded a formal agreement to settle disputes peacefully, which governs workplace relations to the present day. During World War II, Switzerland came under heavy pressure from the fascist powers, which after the fall of France in 1940 completely surrounded the country. Some political and economic leaders displayed a mood of appeasement, but a combination of tactical accommodation and demonstrative readiness to defend the country helped Switzerland survive unscathed. ... [Read More]

Iran

(e) performing notarial services on the basis of accommodation; and ... [Read More]

Treaties

The Antarctic Treaty did not deal with all possible activities in Antarctica. Its substantive provisions, including the juridical accommodation, apply to activities relating to scientific research and the reservation of Antarctica exclusively for peaceful purposes. They do not, for example, extend to resource activities. ... [Read More]

Obtaining Evidence Abroad

Estimating Time Required to Take Deposition: Notify the embassy/consulate of the estimated length of time necessary to take the deposition, allowing for the additional time required for translating questions and answers. Be aware that if the witnesses will be deposed in a foreign language, the use of interpreters will approximately double the time required. Payment of Fees : Payment should be made by international money order or certified bank check payable to the American Embassy or to the appropr ... [Read More]

Country Narratives -- Countries Q through Z

The government assists victims with a full range of social and health care services, and temporary residence is available on an individual basis. It provides funding to UK and foreign victim-assistance NGOs. The government established a pilot project to support victims of trafficking through cooperation with a specialized domestic violence NGO. Victims who wish to return home or who are not authorized to remain are provided reintegration assistance, including initial counseling, suitable accommodation and support in reintegration into their own community. The police issued standard operating procedures to prevent the intimidation and harassment of witnesses. The Home Office prepared specific guidance for officials who may encounter trafficking to understand the difference between trafficking victims and illegal migrants. Victims are encouraged to assist in investigation and prosecution of trafficking and may file civil suits. ... [Read More]

M) Money Laundering and Financial Crimes

In February 2001, the Government of Jersey brought into effect the Financial Services (Jersey) Law. This legislation amended the Investment Business (Jersey) Law by extending Jersey’s financial regulations to Jersey’s approximately 300 trust and company services providers. Businesses that provide company administration, trustee, or fiduciary services are subject to the law. Secondly, in the course of providing such services, the person must provide any one of a number of services, such as being a company formation agent, a director, a secretary, the provider of registered office, the provider of accommodation address, or acting as trustee. Under the new law, the FSC can and does visit each business to ensure compliance with Codes of Practice. These Codes of Practice, which are established for investment and trust company businesses, set out the basic principles under which the business should be conducted. They include the requirement that the Island’s anti-money laundering defenses sh ... [Read More]

Department of State Washington File: Transcript: World Will Face -- and Overcome -- Terrorism, Bush Says

The war on terror is not a figure of speech. It is an inescapable calling of our generation. The terrorists are offended not merely by our policies -- they are offended by our existence as free nations. No concession will appease their hatred. No accommodation will satisfy their endless demands. Their ultimate ambitions are to control the peoples of the Middle East, and to blackmail the rest of the world with weapons of mass terror. There can be no separate peace with the terrorist enemy. Any sign of weakness or retreat simply validates terrorist violence, and invites more violence for all nations. The only certain way to protect our people is by early, united, and decisive action. ... [Read More]

Money Laundering and Financial Crimes

In October 2000 Vanuatu addressed deficiencies in the regulation of the banking sector by passing the Financial Transaction Recording Act. This law requires financial institutions to identify customers and beneficial owners when establishing business relations or account accommodations. Regulatory agencies in Vanuatu have instituted stricter procedures for issuance of offshore banking licenses and continue to review the status of previously issued licenses. This legislation requires all financial institutions, both domestic and offshore, to report suspicious transactions and to maintain records of all transactions for 6 years, including the identities of the parties involved. Safe harbor provisions are provided under this legislation to all suspicious transactions reported in good faith. ... [Read More]

V. Country Narratives -- Countries Q through Z

Zambia is a source and transit country for women and children trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Driven by homelessness and poverty, indigenous children in prostitution are found in most cities and constitute the country’s most significant trafficking problem. Anecdotal reports suggest that Zambian women are trafficked to South Africa for sexual exploitation. It is likely that Zambia is also a transit point for regional trafficking of women to South Africa. The Government of Zambia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. During the past year, Zambia has demonstrated significant progress in its efforts to combat trafficking in persons. While Zambia’s existing laws are adequate to criminalize the full scope of trafficking in persons offenses, prevention and detec ... [Read More]