German Interior Minister: our value system is Christian and occidentalMarch 31, 2011 - 12:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Newly appointed German Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich told the gathering of Muslim leaders in Berlin that he wants to "work together on preventing radicalization and extremism." The minister was under pressure to repair ties with Germany's Muslim population, following comments made on his first day in office. He said in early March that, historically, Islam was not a part of German society. Before the meeting, Friedrich defended his earlier statements telling public broadcaster ARD: "The character of our country, our culture through the centuries, our value system is Christian and occidental," Deutsche Welle quoted him as saying. Earlier, Germany's new interior minister has said Islam does not "belong" in the country, reopening a bitter debate over the integration of Germany's 4 million Muslims. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |