Swiss vote for closer EU ties

Swiss voters have approved closer links with the European Union by a two-thirds majority in a referendum seen as opening the way for the country to end its long, self-imposed isolation in the heart of Europe.

Final results showed that 67% of voters backed a series of new bilateral agreements with the EU that will free up trade, transport and the movement of people.

Government, industry and trade union representatives all hailed the outcome as vital for the country's future prosperity.

The President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, also welcomed the vote, calling it a milestone on the road to greater prosperity and stability in Europe.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service