1.   And it marked, for many, the inevitable inching forward of this alpine nation toward integration with Europe, a thought that still makes many Swiss cringe.

2.   Both the skiers and their fans from the small Alpine nation sandwiched between Germany and Italy are happy, high spirited, and fun to be with.

3.   But for some Alpine nations the news that the skiing industry is in its twilight years is greeted with skepticism.

4.   A tiny Alpine nation of two million, it is keen on tying up loose ends that may hamper its drive towards European economic and defense structures.

5.   Although the Alpine nation has not fought a war in more than four centuries, military traditions are deeply rooted.

6.   Although eating cat meat is not against the law in this Alpine nation, mistreating animals is punishable by a fine or prison sentence.

7.   Both Borer and his wife say they want to portray Switzerland as forward-looking and open, rather than perpetuate cliches of an insular Alpine nation.

8.   Both sides immediately claimed victory, setting the scene for wrangling on whether the Alpine nation should throw its weight behind continental integration or continue in splendid isolation.

9.   But in view of the flood of allegations that Switzerland profited from Nazi victims, the Alpine nation is desperate to restore its squeaky-clean image.

10.   But thousands more refugees are entering the Alpine nation independently, many across its southern border with Italy.