Brussels, 01/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Presidency of the EU said on Monday 30 November, that it was concerned by the Swiss referendum result banning the further construction of minarets. “It is the expression of prejudice and perhaps even fear, but it is clear that in all respects it is a negative signal, there can be no doubt of that,” lamented Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, whose country currently holds the EU Presidency. Sunday's large majority (57.5%) in the Swiss referendum, which banned the construction of minarets in answer to a Rightist call, surprised everyone. Swedish Integration Minister Nyamko Sabuni said that while “the Swiss have an excellent system of popular consultation,” sometimes “if can be used wrongly, as was the case here”. She gave reassurances that “there are no problems between Muslims and Europeans in the European Union. Muslims are Europeans”. The controversy extended, however, to the Council in Brussels, where, on Monday, Justice and Home Affairs ministers were meeting. Swiss Justice Minister Evelyne Widmer-Schlumpf, who was attending the meeting, was made aware of her colleagues' incomprehension. Swedish Immigration and Asylum Minister Tobias Billström said it was “surprising” that such an issue was put to a referendum, the consequences of which present “risks”. In Sweden, he said, “this would be a matter for town planning and would come under the responsibility of local elected representatives”. French Immigration Minister Eric Besson delivered a warning: “We must not give the impression of stigmatising a religion, in this instance Islam”. He added, “In France, the issue of minarets is a matter for planners and common sense. It is not a political matter and I hope that it does not become a political issue”. The European Commission declined to comment directly on the “sovereign decision” of a third country, limiting itself to drawing to the attention of EU member states which might be tempted to take similar decisions the need to “respect fundamental rights, such as freedom of religion”. The result of the Swiss referendum could very soon have repercussions since the populist leader of the Liberty Party in the Netherlands Geert Wilders has said he would launch a similar initiative in the Dutch parliament, with a view to getting a referendum on minarets. (B.C./transl.rt)