Ertugrul Gunay: referendum in Switzerland anachronistic

December 1, 2009 - 13:36 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey yesterday expressed dismay at the ban on the building of minarets in Switzerland.



"This is an outdated approach in the middle of Europe," Ertugrul Gunay, Turkey's Culture and Tourism Minister, told reporters. "Such an anachronistic referendum should not have been allowed to take place in these times." 



In the referendum in Switzerland on Sunday, a 57.5 percent majority voted in favor of the ban on construction new minarets in the country. 



"Switzerland is a country that lies within Europe but has not internalized Europe with its democratic values, the Minister added. He said he is against holding "a referendum on matters of religious freedom".



"Every religious structure has its symbols," Mr Gunay said. "A minaret or a church tower is an inseparable part of such a structure."



He said he expects reaction from Muslim nations, which could apply economic sanctions against Switzerland.
 Top stories
Azerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensiveAzerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensive
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
Azerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 millionAzerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 million
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as "compatriots"
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
Magnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in IranMagnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in Iran
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
 Articles
Compassion is key, no matter what

An Italian photojournalist’s journey through the pandemic

 Most popular in the section
Global toll of mysterious hepatitis in children rises to 650 cases
Monkeypox does not pose a Covid-style risk, top health execs say
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll passes 15,000
Home
All news
Overview: Armenia and world
Archive for December 1, 2009
Other news in this section
  Related sections
IT & Technology
 Latest news
Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan.
Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem."
U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says.
Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan.
---