Germany's foreign minister, Joschka Fischer, has said he hopes Germany and Switzerland can find a compromise on the issue of flight noise generated by Zurich Kloten airport over his country.

Fischer, speaking in Berne on Wednesday after a meeting with Swiss foreign minister Deiss, feels that the issue must be dealt in with in a pragmatic way.

He said, "Switzerland's economic standing, Kloten airport's role as an international hub and the interests of people living nearby must all be taken into account. The good relationship between our two countries depends on it."

On Tuesday, Berne had turned down the demands of the German transport ministry to limit flights at certain times of the day. Switzerland will present a counter-offer on October 26.

Fischer also assured Deiss that the German parliament would soon ratify the bilateral treaty on free movement of labour. The Swiss foreign minister said this crucial signature for the other six bilateral agreements could happen before the end of the year.

The German foreign minister also stated that there was no doubt about the victory of the opposition in the Yugoslav presidential elections. He praised Russia for its role in helping Yugoslavia attain democracy.

swissinfo with agencies

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