InfoAnda - Switzerland under fire over minaret ban

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

Hollywood stars to shine at inauguration kickoff | 13 January 2009
Gaddafi envoy in Greece as Turkey rescues wounded | | 4 April 2011
South Sudanese in most states back independence: poll | | 19 January 2011

Israel burnishes missile shield as Mideast churns | | 12 May 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Switzerland under fire over minaret ban

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Switzerland under fire over minaret ban AFP - Tuesday, December 1 Send IM Story Print Muslim worshippers pray at the Geneva mosque in Switzerland. Switzerland confronted an international backlash and charges of intolerance on Monday as the country's Muslim leaders urged calm over a shock vote to ban new minarets. GENEVA (AFP) - – Switzerland confronted an international backlash and charges of intolerance on Monday as Islamic nations reacted with anger to a shock vote to ban new minarets. The Vatican joined in expressions of dismay after Sunday's vote for a constitutional ban on the construction of towers attached to mosques, while the government moved to assure Muslims it was not a rejection of their religion. Some 57.5 percent of those who cast ballots supported the measure amid a high turnout by Swiss standards of 53 percent. There was harsh criticism in Egypt, Indonesia, Lebanon and other Islamic countries while Pakistani religious groups condemned it as "extreme Islamophobia." "Such an anachronistic referendum should not have been allowed to take place in these times," said Turkey's culture minister, Ertugrul Gunay. The largest Muslim group in Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, condemned it as a manifestation of religious "hatred" but urged a restrained response. "This is the hatred of Swiss people against Muslim communities," said Maskuri Abdillah, head of Nahdlatul Ulama which has 40 million members. "They don't want to see a Muslim presence in their country and this intense dislike has made them intolerant," he told AFP. The imam of Switzerland's biggest mosque, in Geneva, meanwhile called on the Muslim world to "respect, without accepting" the outcome and to avoid abandoning ties with Switzerland. In an interview with AFP, Youssef Ibram nonetheless sharply criticised Swiss authorities for not intervening more forcefully in defence of religious freedom before the referendum got off the ground. The message was echoed by Farhad Afshar, who heads the Coordination of Islamic Organisations in Switzerland. "The most painful for us is not the minaret ban, but the symbol sent by this vote. Muslims do not feel accepted as a religious community," he said. Muslims account for just five percent of Switzerland's population of 7.5 million people, and form the third largest religious group after the dominant Roman Catholic and Protestant communities. The result flew in the face of opinion polls that had predicted a 'no' vote and surprised government ministers who had opposed the ban alongside the bulk of Switzerland's political and religious establishment. The government rushed to assure the country's Muslims that the outcome was not a rejection of Muslim religion or culture, and Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy Rey met ambassadors from Islamic countries to "explain." Criticising the ban, Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf acknowledged however that the result "reflects fears among the population of Islamic fundamentalist tendencies." Members of the hard-right Swiss People's Party (SVP) -- Switzerland's biggest party -- and other right wing groups had brought the referendum after petitioning 100,000 signatures from eligible voters. Other European anti-immigrant parties sought to capitalise on the result, but it was largely condemned elsewhere in Europe. Related article: Worldwide criticism of the minaret ban Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, whose country holds the European Union presidency, called the vote "an expression of quite a bit of prejudice and maybe even fear" and "a negative signal in every way." His French counterpart Bernard Kouchner castigated "an expression of intolerance." The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) warned the vote had the potential "to create tensions and generate a climate of intolerance against Muslims." The secretary general of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, said it raised concerns of whether fundamental individual rights that are protected by international treaties should be subject to popular vote. Swiss newspapers warned that the referendum had inflicted "spectacular damage" to the country's international standing. Le Temps newspaper said the vote had been "inspired by fear, fantasies and ignorance." Switzerland has just four minarets as well as some 200 mosques, according to official sources. The constitutional amendment only bans the construction of further minarets while a cornerstone of the Swiss constitution, the freedom of religious worship, is unchanged. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles UK-World Summary Reuters - Tuesday, December 1 Obama sets new Afghan strategy, briefs allies Reuters - Tuesday, December 1 Obama facing tough selling job on Afghan policy AP - Tuesday, December 1 House panel sets hearing on White House breach AP - Tuesday, December 1 Five Britons held in Iran after yacht seized in Gulf AFP - Tuesday, December 1 News Search Top Stories Trade ministers disagree on WTO Doha talks Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets plunge on debt woes Dubai World to restructure parts of group including Nakheel Kenya ivory seizure 'reflects poaching rise' Early intervention aids children with autism: study More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended UAE acts to shore up banking system and calm markets Tiny magnetic discs could kill cancer cells: study Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets plunge on debt woes Dubai blackout over debt plans to hit Gulf markets Wall Street braces for Dubai debt fallout, jobs data More Most Viewed » Global stocks mixed amid Dubai debt crisis Mankind using Earth's resources at alarming rate Alcohol helps cut heart disease risk for men: study Dubai blackout over debt plans to hit Gulf markets Gatecrashers met Obama, Secret Service 'embarrassed' More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Mysterious 'Saddam Channel' drops off Iraqi TV
Nokia plans one Linux phone next year: source
Iraqi civilian deaths drop to lowest level of war
Obama orders Afghan strategy into force
Death toll in Russia train blast rises to 26
UK to send 500 extra troops to Afghanistan | International |
Online retailers pin hopes on 'Cyber Monday'
Hezbollah cuts Islamist rhetoric in new manifesto | International |
EBay fined by Paris court over LVMH sales
Hamas: Gaps remain over prisoner swap with Israel
French court fines eBay for perfume sales
Israel says enforcing West Bank settlement moratorium
Swiss minaret ban may signal new right-wing surge | International |
British yacht crew of five detained in Iran | International |
Somali pirates seize Greek tanker near Seychelles | International |
Venezuela closes four banks after Chavez warning | International |
US-TECH Summary
Nokia plans one Linux phone next year: source
Ensign adds Reid race to reasons for staying on
Amazon says Kindle sales hit monthly record in Nov | Technology |
Man charged with capital murder in 3 Kan. deaths
NATO: body of second missing US paratrooper found
EBay fined by Paris court over LVMH sales | Technology |
Uzbek power grid withdrawal set to cause shortages
US envoy urges Okinawa base issue resolved soon
Suspect in officer killings eludes law in Seattle
6 Afghan national police killed by fellow officer
Court takes on fraud lawsuit vs. Australian bank
China to try 58 accused of covering up mine deaths
Court hears Vioxx lawsuit arguments
China to try 58 who covered up mine accident
Motorized bar stool from Ohio DUI being auctioned
Police accused of abuse in Indonesia's Papua
Texas inmate escapes while being transferred
Family: Minn. pilot injured in China plane crash
Bangladesh ferry death toll rises to 77
U.S. Senate to begin debate on healthcare overhaul
US Senate to kick off historic health care debate
Elizabeth Kennedy named AP bureau chief in Beirut
Chinese minister: We aren't manipulating currency
Mahindra and BAE to form new India defense company
Japan central bank chief says country in deflation
Disney reviewing options on Oprah replacement
Disney in no hurry on Oprah decision
Beauty queen's woes reflect HIV stigma in Russia
Japan manga fans flock to cartoonist's funeral
Disney reviewing options on Oprah replacement | Entertainment |
Kava the drink of choice in laid-back Pacific
Bordeaux banks on biodiversity
Polanski release could take more time: French envoy | Entertainment |
Changing times give Jerusalem market new, old flavour
Disney reviewing live shows after Lambert | Entertainment |
French maestro Pretre to conduct Vienna's New Year's Concert
Mexican author Pacheco receives top Spanish literary prize
Polanski release could take more time: French envoy
Obama orders Afghan strategy into force
EU president takes office as Lisbon Treaty enters force
South Korea knocks down rumor North leader dead | International |
EU extends visa-free travel to Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro
US-TECH Summary
Trade ministers disagree on WTO Doha talks
Iran enrichment plans largely bluster, experts say
Switzerland under fire over minaret ban
Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets plunge on debt woes
China says talks best way to solve Iran nuclear issue | International |
Hamas: Gaps remain over prisoner swap with Israel
Sirius XM CEO says holiday sales on target
Dubai World to restructure parts of group including Nakheel
Defiant Iran slams IAEA amid Western censure
Suspected Darfur kidnappers threaten to kill French workers
Judge aims to bar first Latin America gay wedding | International |
2009: the Year of Twitter
U.S. blasts Sudan over Darfur peacekeeper harassment
Kenya ivory seizure 'reflects poaching rise'
Iran sends mixed signals on quitting NPT
Algerian Guantanamo detainee transferred to France | International |
Italy's Berlusconi visit ends Belarus isolation
Amazon says Kindle sales hit monthly record in Nov
British yacht crew of five detained in Iran | International |
Early intervention aids children with autism: study
HIV-infected Chinese children struggle with stigma | International |
Time running out on Doha accord: WTO chief
WHO changes HIV treatment advice
Jackson bumps Spears from atop Yahoo '09 searches | Technology |
Sirius XM CEO says holiday sales on target | Technology |
Australian opposition change jolts climate debate
US transfers two Tunisian Guantanamo men to Italy
Kennedy touts health care reform, sidesteps flap
Forest Service eyes night flying against fires
Competency hearing begins in Elizabeth Smart case
4th-generation southern white rhino born in Ohio
Man who aided Detroit corruption probe gets prison
Obama sets new Afghan strategy, briefs allies
Pentagon official corresponded with WH crashers
U.S. Senate opens work on healthcare bill
S.Korea to keep accommodative policy -officials
Tiger Woods withdraws from tournament, not talking | Entertainment |
Alec Baldwin says lost interest in acting, will soon quit | Entertainment |
Seoul shares flat after early volatility
U.S. war drama wins top film at Gotham awards | Entertainment |
Hard-working Springsteen exactly where I want to be | Entertainment |
Taiwan Cement unit to buy HK firm for $516 mln
Korea Hot Stocks
Kelsey Grammer to make Broadway musical debut | Entertainment |
Norah Jones announces spring tour | Entertainment |
Seoul shares open lower as caution persists
Chelsea Clinton to wed long-time boyfriend | Entertainment |
Strokes returning to the stage in 2010 | Entertainment |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Hard-working Springsteen "exactly where I want to be"
US author Littell wins Bad Sex in fiction prize
Kelsey Grammer to make Broadway musical debut
Strokes returning to the stage in 2010
Judge puts Latin America's first gay marriage on hold
`New Moon' keeps shining with $42.9M weekend
Broadway shows returning to New Orleans
Chelsea Clinton to wed long-time boyfriend
Clinton daughter, Chelsea, engaged to be married
Iran says may take serious action against Britons | International |
Suicide bomber kills Pakistan parliamentarian | International |
Iran says to protest over IAEA nuclear resolution | International |
Philippines files murder charges for massacre | International |
Charges spelled out against Nazi guard Demjanjuk | International |
Israeli settlers block government inspectors | International |
India tightens security at nuclear facilities | International |
Nostalgia, hope as Baghdad's passenger boats return | International |
Bethlehem traders still waiting for Christmas cheer | International |
Nokia files suits against display, monitor makers | Technology |
Obama facing tough selling job on Afghan policy
Black Friday shoppers tweet, friend and clip | Technology |
Emotions high, Senate opens partisan health debate
House panel sets hearing on White House breach
Black Friday Web shopping up 11 percent: comScore | Technology |
Swiss won't release Roman Polanski before Friday | Entertainment |
Supreme Court Stops Release Of Detainee Photos
First Would-Be White Mayor In Decades, Establishment Candidate Face Off In Atlanta Run-off
Suspect In Police Execution Shot Dead Ending Two-Day Manhunt
New Form Of Lethal Injection Introduced In Ohio
Obama To Announce Afghan Strategy In Primetime Address From West Point
President Obama Calls Indian Premier, Discusses Afghanistan And Climate Change
Major Top-Level Changes In The U.S. National Intelligence Setup
Modification Mortgage Conversion Drive Gets The Administration Push
Burglar: 'Obama Let Me In'
Texas Police Hunt Escaped, Armed Child Molester
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	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01