World: Iran’s not too happy about Switzerland’s new minaret ban
- Values such as tolerance, dialogue and respecting others’ religions should never be put to referendum.
- Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki • Speaking to his Swiss counterpart about the referendum that led to a ban on minarets. He warns that there could be consequences for the country long-term. For those keeping score at home: Iran is 90% Muslim, but (despite the image of leaders being completely unaccepting of other religions and faiths) does allow Christian churches and Jewish synagogues to be built in the country. There have been complaints about this being difficult, though. Switzerland and Iran have a tight relationship, by the way, due to the Swiss acting as an intermediary between the U.S. and Iran. source