Swiss call time out in push on EU ties as Brexit talks begin


FILE PHOTO: Swiss Liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) President Petra Goessi (L) listens to Swiss Christian Democratic Party (CVP) President Gerhard Pfister during the von Wattenwyl talks in Bern, Switzerland November 11, 2016. REUTERS/Ruben Sprich

ZURICH/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Switzerland's drive to clinch a sweeping treaty putting its ties with the European Union on firmer footing has run aground as mainstream conservative parties get cold feet ahead of Britain's divorce talks with the EU.

A new treaty could clear the way for closer ties in fields including financial services and power markets, but fear that any deal might upset Swiss voters under the country's system of direct democracy has put the project on hold.

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