Tashah
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Source: The Jerusalem PostIranian FM criticizes Swiss minaret ban decision
Updated Dec 6, 2009
By JPOST.COM STAFF
Iran criticized a Swiss ban on the construction of minarets on mosques, and warned of rising Islamophobia in Europe, Iranian English-language news agency Press TV reported Saturday. According to the report, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki held a phone conversation with Swiss counterpart Micheline Calmy-Rey to criticize the ban, which was approved in a referendum on Sunday.
"This move did not befit a country claiming to be a number one advocate of democracy and religious freedom under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," Mottaki was quoted as saying in the conversation. "The ban will undoubtedly change Switzerland's image as a leading advocate of human rights," he added. Mottaki reportedly warned his Swiss counterpart that the ban on building minarets was likely to have far-reaching implications both for the Swiss people and the Muslim minority.
In Athens on Tuesday, Swiss foreign minister said the government was worried about the ban. Calmy-Rey stressed that Muslims were accepted in Swiss society, and the decision would not change the foreign policy of the country, which would continue to maintain close relations with Muslim nations.
"Swiss Muslims are well integrated and will continue to attend the 200 mosques in the country," she said. The minister said if an appeal against the referendum is lodged at the European Court of Human Rights, it would be up to the court to decide on its legality.
I agree with the Iranian FM here. The minaret ban projects intolerance and short-sightedness. I have a great respect for the Swiss people and I am fairly confident that this referendun will be repealed.