Swiss lawmakers considering a ban on hijabSeptember 29, 2011 - 09:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Swiss lawmakers are considering a ban on wearing face-covering veils in some public situations. Switzerland's lower house of parliament voted 101-77 Wednesday, September 28, to outlaw veils like the burqa worn by some Muslim women when using public transportation or dealing with authorities. The measure goes next to the upper house and is being pushed by the nationalist Swiss People's Party before federal elections in October. A lawmaker from the party, Oskar Freysinger, said the aim is "to avoid a religious war" by setting minimum standards for wearing veils. Freysinger campaigned in 2009 to ban construction of minarets in Switzerland, a law that drew international condemnation when voters approved it despite the government's opposition, AP reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |