28/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - Following a decision by the Talibans to make Afghan Hindus wear a yellow badge, the Swedish Presidency has called on behalf of the European Union on the Afghan authorities to refuse to apply this discriminatory measure violating international law. The President of the European Parliament, Nicole Fontaine, also slammed the distinctive sign of discrimination and intolerance which harks back to humanity's darkest hour in recent history. She went on to explain that the Taliban militia were now entering a new stage in their infamy and madness and wondered what more they would have to do before western diplomats woke up to the fact that such behaviour discredited all of Islam. The President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, expressed his deep concern at the closure of the Italian hospital in Kabul and the beating and/or arrest of hospital staff by the Taliban religious police. Mr Prodi said he was concerned about the future of humanitarian operations in Afghanistan.