Conservative Muslims seek funds in Gulf states
A radical Muslim group is trying to raise funds in the Gulf states for a large new mosque outside the Swiss capital Bern.
The Islamic Central Council of Switzerland says it is also seeking financial support to launch an initiative aimed at repealing a ban on the construction of minarets approved by voters in2009.
The council president, Nicolas Blancho, on Sunday confirmed newspaper reports about his fundraising activities and exploratory talks in Kuwait and Qatar, but he said he had not received any donations to date.
The project for the mosque is estimated at SFr20 million ($21 million).
The group, representing orthodox Sunni Muslims, claims to have about 2,000 supporters, and organised controversial public rallies in Bern.
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