Greens group leader of the European Parliament called wealthy Muslims to withdraw their money from banks in Switzerland in response to a ban on the construction of minarets in the country.
Daniel Cohn-Bendit, co-president of the Greens in the European Parliament, has called on rich Muslims to empty their bank accounts in Switzerland in retaliation for Sunday's referendum that bans the construction of minarets in Switzerland.
In a statement that was published in Switzerland's Le Temps newspaper, Cohn-Bendit said "The best retaliation would be the richest Muslim countries to take their money from Swiss banks. Empty their bank accounts in Switzerland. This is what is supposed to be done. If this referendum has economic consequences, then Swiss would understand it."
Calling the Swiss to make another referendum to cancel this decision, Cohn-Bendit said in the statement as following:
"Switzerland's problem is the egoism of the riches. Switzerland has accustomed us to this attitude. I think about the World War 2. There was no problem for Switzerland to sacrifice people who wanted to took refuge and asylum in the country."
Cohn-Bendit stated, that the politicians who are against the banning of minarets in Switzerland must take immediate action to "remove this stain" with a new referendum.
Saying, that to apply to European Court of Human Rights is also a good idea but it will take time, Daniel Cohn-Bendit said bilateral relations between Switzerland and the EU cannot continue as if nothing had happened.
PHOTO CAPTION
Daniel Cohn-Bendit, co-president of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance, speaks with journalists as he attends the Forum Copenhagen in Paris November 21, 2009.
Agencies