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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |