Samuel Schmid in his office in Bern in 2004.
(Keystone/ Monika Flückiger)
Keystone
Getting some fresh air in 2000, before beginning his cabinet career, near his home in Rüti bei Büren.
(Keystone/ Alessandro della Valle)
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Swearing in the new minister in 2000. Moustaches not optional.
(Keystone/ Pool/ VBF/ Ruben Sprich)
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Greeting a military helicopter in 2005.
(Keystone/Pool/Alessandro della Valle)
Keystone
Last man standing: at the Spengler Cup ice hockey tournament in Davos in 2001.
(Keystone/Michele Limina)
Keystone
Fulfilling his duties as minister responsible for sport in 2007.
(Keystone/ Peter Klaunzer)
Keystone
Taking a stroll with Japanese officials in 2005.
(Keystone/ Yoshiko Kusano)
Keystone
Flooding in canton Obwalden in 2005 kept the defence minister busy.
(Keystone/ Pool/ Alessandro della Valle)
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A boatload of fun: taking a ride with the Indian president in Interlaken in 2005.
(Keystone/ Yoshiko Kusano)
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Mourning six soldiers after an accident on the Jungfrau in 2007.
(Keystone/ Urs Flüeler)
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The Swiss Guards enjoyed a visit in 2007.
(Keystone/ Monika Flückiger)
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Schmid, a former army officer, visited Kosovo in 2003.
(Keystone/ Yoshiko Kusano)
Keystone
Coffee break with former army chief Roland Nef in June 2008.
(Keystone/ Alessandro della Valle)
Keystone
The defence minister had much to answer for in the summer of 2008 with the resignations of two top army officials.
(Keystone/ Peter Schneider)
Keystone
Schmid was in the media glare when army chief Roland Nef resigned in July 2008.
(Keystone/ Lukas Lehmann)
Keystone
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