InfoAnda - Youths test religious rights in Macedonia

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Troops jittery after deadly Cambodia-Thai clash | 4 April 2009
China stamp fetches record price | 2 November 2009
Little Fockers set to unseat Tron at box office | | 22 December 2010

"Winter's Bone" star cast in "X-Men: First Class" | 16 July 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Youths test religious rights in Macedonia

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: Youths test religious rights in Macedonia AFP - Monday, July 13 TETOVO, Macedonia (AFP) - - Open displays of faith among Macedonia's rival Christian and Muslim youths are stoking religious tensions that have smouldered since the fall of communist Yugoslavia. The collapse of the communist federation in the early 1990s saw a revival of interest in religion among Macedonia's mainly Slavic Orthodox Christians and predominantly Sunni Islam ethnic Albanians. Nowadays, Christian youths openly attend church services, fast and wear crosses, while Muslim girls are donning headscarves at schools even though the custom is outlawed. The use of religious symbols is becoming more obvious at schools, notably in the capital Skopje and the western town of Tetovo, an ethnic Albanian stronghold. The issue came to a head early this year, when a Tetovo school principal, Ljatif Ismaili, was sacked after banning a girl from entering class with a headscarf several times. "At high school, other students found it strange at the beginning, but later got used to it," says Shpresa, an ethnic Albanian student from Bogovinje village near Tetovo. "I will wear it until I get married, and if my husband tells me to take it off, I will do so," she says shyly. Macedonia has long been dogged by ethnic tensions related to its Albanian minority, who make up most of the country's Muslim population -- which represents about 30 percent of the country's 2.2 million residents. The others are Turks, Roma and Macedonian Muslims known as Torbeses. In 2001, an ethnic Albanian rebellion brought Macedonia to the edge of civil war. The seven-month uprising was put to an end with the internationally-brokered peace accord that brought more rights to the ethnic Albanian community. Education Minister Pero Stojanovski admits the issue of headscarves in schools is "very sensitive". "In the past few years, we have seen ethnic intolerance in some schools, but we also have schools which are an excellent example of multi-ethnic life," Stojanovski tells AFP. "The law clearly states any religious activity is prohibited in schools, and that is why we have separated religious education from religious activities. But Stojanovski stresses "rules of conduct" should not be interpreted as "discrimination". Namik Xhaferi of Tetovo's Islamic community says the cross is a religious symbol, while headscarves are not only that, but also a part of expressing respect for Islam. "No-one should exclude young women of Islamic faith (from schools) because of that," he insists. The problem first emerged soon after Macedonia's independence in 1991, when a Mulsim girl attended school with her head covered for the first time. It resurfaced when a law on religion at school entered into force in September 2008, sparking a vivid debate before the Supreme Court declared wearing headscarves to class is unconstitutional. But the public attorney's office says "students have constitutional and legal rights for freedom of religious expression," according to spokeswoman Uranija Pirovska. In the absence of proper monitoring, however, schools have imposed their own regulations, making the issue even more complicated. It is estimated that up to three percent of female students wear headscarves or other Islamic apparel at high schools and universities. In Tetovo's Medical High School with around 2,600 students including ethnic Albanians and Turks, classes are held in all three languages and problems have so far been avoided. "Our school has voted in a set of rules which have been strictly respected in the interests of all students," principal Shaban Irfan said. "That is why we have been spared incidents," he added. School psychologist Svetlana Ristoska says there has been no "garish wearing of religious symbols". "Outside of schools, they can dress as they want, but in school, they have to respect the rules," she says, adding the use of religious symbols could be inspired "either by parents or as a fashion trend". Outside school grounds, groups of young Muslim women can be seen dressed in mini-skirts alongside others in long-sleeves and headscarves. Elvira, 18, says she does not wear anything on her head, going against the will of her mother. "My mum is an older woman and she wears one. After I finished primary school, she wanted me to wear one to class, but I did not want to as it was not fashionable," she says. "My dad agreed and while my mother was not happy, she had to give in." Silan, a Macedonian Muslim, feels headscarves are a "private right" but does not approve of parents forcing their daughters to wear them. "Those who want to wear them, let them, it's their right," says the 21-year-old economics student. Tetovo's leading Muslim cleric Alifikri Efendi Esati says "a choice to express religious respect is not a problem, but when politics interferes, there's no happiness for anyone." In recent years, youngsters have joined hardline Islamist groups like the Wahhabis, who stand out in Macedonia with their trademark beards and shortened pants. The Islamic community is also very active in building mosques in areas populated by Muslims. In Tetovo, eight new mosques have been erected in recent years and two more are under construction, compared to only one Orthodox Christian church in the town. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle ABC's Bob Woodruff returns to IraqAP - 1 hour 44 minutes ago Maverick filmmakers hit London with Bhopal protestAFP - 2 hours 33 minutes ago Chow quits Kato role in 'The Green Hornet'AP - 2 hours 50 minutes ago Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith start 'Karate Kid' remakeAP - Tuesday, July 14 India's next outsourcing boom: comedyAFP - Monday, July 13 Enlarge Photo An ethnic Albanian student wearing a traditional Islamic headscarf walks with a friend at the multi-ethnic South-Eastern University in Tetovo, Macedonia. The use of religious symbols is becoming more obvious at schools, notably in the capital Skopje and the western town of Tetovo, an ethnic Albanian stronghold. Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Worst yet to come: White House economic advisor Miniskirts, cleavage upset male SKoreans: survey Pushy French are world's worst tourists: study Jackson 'best father' ever, daughter tells the world London's Big Ben clocks up 150 years View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Monday, 13 July 2009
Palestinians reject any Israel-U.S. settlement deal
Ten more hurt in Pamplona bull run
Two U.S. soldiers killed, Afghan war heats up | International |
NASA: No lightning damage to shuttle, fueling begins
Israeli spy memorial hides more than it reveals
US, Switzerland urge delay to UBS tax secrecy trial
Honduras lifts post-coup curfew, Zelaya vows return | International |
Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Four NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan violence
Up to 200 rebels dead in Afghan offensive: govt
Two injured in Pamplona bull run, day after death | International |
Ahmadinejad blames Germany for courtroom killing | International |
Israel phone firm's West Bank wall gag fails to amuse | International |
Endeavour fueled for launch after lightning delay
Palin says she's not leaving politics
Obama phones Sotomayor on eve of hearings
Sotomayor faces friendly jury as hearings begin
Obama says Taliban pushed back in Afghanistan
Democrats slam Cheney bid to hide CIA program
Sessions: Sotomayor must show she can be neutral
Azeri blogger detained, oil major presses case | Technology |
Texting Teen Falls Down NYC Manhole; Will Sue City?
Strong earthquake shakes Peru
Israel phone firm's West Bank wall gag fails to amuse | Technology |
Two People Questioned In Florida Murder Of Couple Of 12 Adoptive Children
Endeavor (STS-127) Set For Liftoff Sunday Night For 16-Day Mission To ISS
Report: Cheney Told CIA To Stay Quiet About Secret Program
Boston May Close Its Zoos; Euthanize Animals
U.S. Military Mulls Total Tobacco Ban
Space Shuttle Endeavour Prepares For Sunday Evening Launch
Iran Detains Iranian-American Without Disclosing Charges
Smokey Cabin Triggers Evacuation Of British Airways Flight
Obama Starts Sub-Saharan African Tour With Historic Visit To Ghana
'Bruno' sashays to box-office fame with $30.4M
Bruno fashions top spot at U.S. box office | Entertainment |
Ambushes kill 2 near Freeport's Indonesian mine
North Korea leader Kim has life-threatening cancer: TV | International |
US-TECH Summary
EU nations, Turkey to sign key gas pipeline deal
British PM under pressure over Afghanistan deaths
Endeavour to launch Monday after storm halts launch
Swedish Press To Boycott Britney Spears Show
Japan PM seeks August 30 poll despite grim prospects | International |
Nigerian militants claim attack on Lagos oil jetty
Four killed in attacks on Iraq churches
Six in 10 companies plan to skip Windows 7: survey
Al-Qaeda group releases Swiss hostage in Mali
Rio arrests reflect Beijing financial jitters | International |
Hindus Urge Angelina Jolie To Take Up Cause Of Roma People
Storm delays Endeavour launch for 24 hours: NASA
LG launches app store, initial focus on Asia
Honduras leader may allow Zelaya amnesty, curfew off | International |
Car bomb explodes outside Iraqi church, kills 4
Rights group concerned about fate of Iran missing
Jay-Z Dethrones 50 Cent In Forbes' 2008 Hip-Hop Cash Kings List
Israel phone firm's West Bank wall gag fails to amuse
Geithner committed to strong dollar as reserve currency
Israel phone firm's West Bank wall gag fails to amuse
China says embassy protests show riots organized | International |
Lil Wayne Sued For Sleeping During Concert
"So You Think You Can Dance" Michael Jackson Tribute Nixed
Bombs explode outside Baghdad churches, four dead
Pakistan's 2 million displaced start returning home | International |
Black Eyed Peas Responds To Plagiarism Allegation
Iran defeated candidate warns of system collapse | International |
Darfur peacekeepers still waiting for helicopters
Husband In The Pendragons Arrested For Assaulting Wife
Howard K Stern Wins One Round In Libel Case
French row over burqa ban unveils contradictions | International |
Iraq lashed by sandstorms and battling drought
Kate Beckinsale Awarded Libel Damages Over False "Barbarella" Role Article
Liberia's Taylor to take stand in war crimes case | International |
Life Magazine To Release Michael Jackson Special Edition
LG launches app store, initial focus on Asia
Reports: Japan's leader to call national elections
3rd body recovered after ambushes at Freeport mine
AP NewsAlert
Suspected rebels kill 2 Indian troops
Japan ends ban on child organ donations
China unveils regulations to curb corruption
Six in 10 companies plan to skip Windows 7: survey | Technology |
LG launches app store, initial focus on Asia | Technology |
Japan PM to call August 30 election: reports
2 held on murder charges in Fla. couple's slaying
Web site recreates Apollo 11 mission in real time
6 killed in New Delhi metro bridge collapse
Freeport ambushes kill 2; police step up manhunt
SKorea lowers cyberattack alert
Battle for Supreme Court justice to begin in Congress
CIA chief nixed plan to kill Al-Qaeda targets: report
Boat runs aground off Liberty Island; 8 rescued
Jill Biden to have orthopedic surgery
Democrats accuse Cheney of bid to hide CIA program
Jackson: Cemetery investigation should expand
Washington: the hottest living movie studios
NBC hopes viewers appreciate action news series
Madame Carven, petite women's designer, turns 100
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
South Korea's spy agency lowers cyberattack alert
A&E's Jackson family reality show a thriller
Seoul shares extend losses, down 2.5 pct
Son takes over gospel singer Wright's NYC church
China Eastern Airlines to acquire local rival
Maura Tierney illness delays "Parenthood"
Pakistani c.bank sells 11 bln rupees of T-bills
Fad or crisis? Japan's 'marriage hunting' craze
A&E's Jackson family reality show a thriller | Entertainment |
Children risk their lives in Gaza's blockade-busting tunnels
South Korea: Conclusion of FTA with EU near
Maura Tierney illness delays Parenthood | Entertainment |
Washington: the hottest living movie studios
SKorea's June trade surplus was a record: govt
Taiwan dollar at one-month low on fund outflows
"Bruno" fashions top spot at U.S. box office
Update: NASA Calls Off Shuttle Launch Amid Bad Weather
Japan's top 2 beverage makers considering merger
NZ farmer confidence slides in Q2
South Korea urges banks to support economic growth
Texting Teen Falls Down NYC Manhole; Will Sue City?
Japanese Scientists Study How A Turtle's Shell Develops
Desert Plant Survives By Watering Itself
Camel Climbs Mount Washington
Jennifer Aniston's Dog Doesn't Like When She Makes New Friends
Final Candidates For New 7 Wonders Of Nature To Be Announced On July 21
No Canals, But Probe Finds Snow On Mars Arctic Region
Man Says Girlfriend Poked Him With Sex Toy
Australia Town Bans Bottled Water, Prefers Reusable Bottles
Workers At Historic Cemetery Charged With Unearthing Bodies, Selling Graves
Britain revokes five Israeli arms export licences
Head of Russian diamond giant forced to quit: report
Judge To Dismiss Drug Charges Once Ryan ONeal Completes Program
Pakistan's displaced head home, blast rocks village | International |
Obama orders probe of killings in Afghanistan
Bangladesh crackdown on 'kings of genies'
Comic Artie Lange Busted For DUI After Minor Road Accident
Ahmadinejad blames Germany for courtroom murder
Man Dies From Fall Accident At Serbia's Annual Music Festival
Germany charges accused Nazi guard Demjanjuk | International |
Israeli minister dismisses Solana's peace ideas | International |
Afghan leader Karzai campaigns in Taliban heartland | International |
U.S. tells Uzbekistan it wants better ties | International |
Beijing warns lawyers off Xinjiang riot cases
Report: CIA had plan to kill al-Qaida
Chinese police shoot dead two Uighurs in Urumqi
Nazi camp guard Demjanjuk to be tried in Germany
Indonesians protest at Chinese embassy
Police: 7 women die in Indonesian restaurant fire
Fla. judge to consider delay in UBS secrecy case
South Korea lowers cyberattack alert
Iowa's biggest city may legalize late-night dance
Death toll at 3 in ambushes near mine in Indonesia
Microsoft takes on Google with free Office programs | Technology |
White House: Health, green jobs growing quickly
Thailand reports 3 more swine flu deaths
Obama to address urban policy meeting
Chinese, SKorean envoys meet for NKorea talks
Chicken farmers feel threatened by Oklahoma suit
China's Uighurs hope to gain from world spotlight
NASA to make 5th attempt to launch Endeavour
Ford, Mazda open compact car plant in Thailand
Honda president pushes founder energy, hybrids
Seoul shares post biggest daily pct loss in 4 mths
S.Korea won posts biggest daily pct loss since Mar
China Eastern unveils merger plan
China construction giant set for massive IPO
Meralco says planning broadband via power lines
Freeport mine ambushes kill 3 in Indonesia
India's next outsourcing boom: comedy
Harry Potter director says finale to be best yet | Entertainment |
It's a man's, man's world for Aussie music fans
Bruno fashions top spot at U.S. box office | Entertainment |
Marriage in UAE: key to national identity
Idol host Ryan Seacrest signs $45 million deal | Entertainment |
Youths test religious rights in Macedonia
Screens replace greens for South Korean golfers
Australia's 'Big Things' go from kitsch to art
Austrians say outrageous Bruno ist pretty funny | Entertainment |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01