Switzerland is furious that Libya is still refusing to release two Swiss businessmen, despite having promised that it would do. It is accusing Libya of holding the men hostage and of violating international treaties.

The two men have been held in Libya since July 2008. They were placed under house arrest after Swiss police detained the son of the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Hannibal Gaddafi, for mistreating hotel personnel.

The charge was swiftly withdrawn, but relations between the two countries subsequently declined so badly that trade between them practically ceased.

In August, Swiss President Hans-Rudolf Merz travelled to Libya to offer his apologies, after which Libya promised to free the two men. Mr Merz is now under fire in Switzerland for these apologies, especially as they have failed to secure the release of the businessmen.

Photo of President Hans-Rudolf Merz by maiak.info (flickr)