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 Bağış 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.

Bağış 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 Bağış 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 Gül 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 Gül told reporters prior to his departure for Jordan on a formal visit.