Iran slams European states anti-Islamic moves

Tehran, Dec 5, IRNA – Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki condemned Switzerland's ban on building minarets in a telephone conversation with his Swiss counterpart Micheline Calmy-Rey on Saturday.

Mottaki warned the European states against the “consequences” of their anti-Islamic acts.

Swiss voters on Sunday gave a yes to a ban on construction of building minarets which are distinctive architectural features of Islamic mosques.

The Swiss government said in a statement that it respected the decision made by Swiss voters, and "consequently the construction of new minarets in Switzerland is no longer permitted."

Mottaki said that Burn’s decision to halt building new minarets was “against the prestige of a country which claims to be an advocate of democracy and human rights.”

Mottaki added that the act “will damage Switzerland’s image as a pioneer of respecting human rights among Muslims' public opinion.”

“Values such as tolerance, dialogue and respecting others' religious should never be put to referendum,” Mottaki told his Swiss counterpart.

He expressed hope that Burn would soon “take necessary steps and find a constitutional way to prevent imposition of the ban.”

Meanwhile, Ms Calmy-Rey said that the referendum was carried out against the will of the Swiss government and parliament and was proposed by the ruling party.

She stressed that the Swiss government “will use all its means to support Muslims rights.”/end