Swiss government wants further talks on accord with EU

The Swiss government says it wants further talks with the European Union about an accord that's intended to regulate bilateral ties between the Alpine country and the 28-nation bloc.

The Swiss Cabinet said Friday that it has "decided to demand clarifications" on a current draft deal, amid concerns domestically over wages and workers protection, state subsidies and EU rules on citizens' rights.

The government said it remains ready to "reach a mutually satisfactory solution to these three outstanding matters which would allow it to sign the agreement and present it to parliament."

Switzerland, which is surrounded by — but not a member of — the European Union, has long struggled to reconcile domestic demands on issues such as immigration with those of the EU, its biggest trading partner.