Do it, already!
Naville told swissinfo
: "In recent years, Switzerlands strong focus on Europe has been detrimental to its relationship with the US. The last time a [Swiss cabinet minister] was received at the White House was in the 1980s."
"After 15 years of European focus, the moment is now right to place the economic relationship between the US and Switzerland on a solid contractual basis."
He said the "window of opportunity" for a deal was limited, as the Trade Promotion Authority of President George Bush under which he can send legislation to Congress on a "take-it-or-leave-it" basis will expire on June 1, 2007.
The effective deadline is earlier new trade initiatives will be difficult to launch after the US mid-term elections in November 2006.
Naville added: "Switzerland must make the first moves itself. Anything the Americans say can be interpreted as generic encouragement, but the ball is in the Swiss court."
18.05.2005, 20:22