TURKISH STATE MINISTER URGES MUSLIMS RETHINK THEIR BANKING CHOICES

news.am
Dec 2 2009
Armenia

Muslims with assets secured in Swiss accounts should rethink their
banking choices in the face of the passage of Sunday’s referendum on
banning minarets in the country and look to Turkey as an alternative,
Turkish State Minister and chief negotiator for the EU Egemen BagıÅ~_
stated as quoted by Today’s Zaman.

The doors of Turkish banks, all of which escaped unscathed in 2008
while major world banks sank, are open to them," he said.

BagıÅ~_ also pointed out that in Turkey, with a 99 percent Muslim
majority, non-Muslim minorities like Armenians, Jews and citizens
of Greek ancestry had been able to worship freely for centuries at
churches and synagogues.

NEWS.am reminds readers that during his visit to the Church of Holy
Cross on Akhtamar Island this July BagıÅ~_ pointed out the necessity
for reopening the church for religious services. However, no progress
has yet been registered.

Speaking at the Turkish Parliament, Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip
Erdogan stated that Islamophobia is becoming like anti-Semitism.

Racism and fascist attitude are developing in Europe, and the ban on
the construction of minarets is a crime against humanity.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that "minaret
referendum" held in Switzerland was contrary to fundamental rights
and freedoms, reported Today’s Zaman

"This is a shame for the Swiss," President Gul told reporters prior
to his departure for Jordan on a formal visit.