COJEP International and EMISCO have noted with great concern the outcome of local elections in Netherlands.

In a historically inter-cultural society, the results in Dutch local polls show that the anti-Islam Freedom Party (PVV) has made major gains in the Netherlands becoming the biggest party in the medium-sized city of Almere and the capital, The Hague.

COJEP International and EMISCO (European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion) with the support of Council of Europe, ISESCO and Organisation of Islamic Conference have launching a contest to select the most beautiful existing Minaret in Europe through a photographic competition.

Mosques, with or without their minarets have been a permanent addition in the aesthetics of our urban landscapes. They are a reflection of the presence of the Muslim communities in our cities and in the company of other faiths and beliefs, convey a message of common living, peace and respect. It is however unfortunate, that lately some populist politicians and a section of media has made minarets an issue to curtail fundamental rights.

Strasbourg, 28 January 2010

We live in difficult times. The History challenges our minds every minute. It is true that the planet is threatened, the economic crises decimate the most vulnerable, and we have difficulty in responding to the violent events that affect us. At the same time, there are areas which can not accept flexibility. Regardless of convictions or beliefs that are ours.