Tuesday, 1 December 2009Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said Tuesday the referendum held in Switzerland on November 29 to ban the construction of minarets in this country caused "disappointment".
The MFA said in a statement issued Tuesday that both Turkey and the international community expected Switzerland to take steps to correct the situation (on minarets) that was not in line with the traditions of Switzerland.
The decision is an unfortunate development against basic humanitarian values and freedoms. Cultural diversity, tolerance and respect for human rights carry high importance for societal tranquility and peace, the Turkish MFA stressed.
As a co-chair of the United Nations (UN) Alliance of Civilizations initiative, Turkey received with deep sadness the decision of the Swiss people on minarets, the MFA also said.
More than 100,000 Turks live in Switzerland.
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Tuesday, 1 December 2009
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