Austria's top Catholic representative, Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn said Monday Muslims have the right to build mosques to practice their rituals, lashing out at calls by extremists to ban construction of mosques nationwide.

The far-right freedom party had launched a campaign against Muslims, calling on the government to ban the building of mosques. In February, the provincial government in the province of Carinthia passed amendments to its construction legislation, in effect banning the building of mosques.

The Austrian radio and television authority quoted Cardinal Schoenborn as saying allowing Islamic rituals should not be restricted on individuals but Muslims should be allowed to practice rituals even in public places.

"Building mosques should not create any problem," he said.

"We have in Vienna a mosque with minarets. Where is the problem? I don't see it," he told public broadcaster ORF.

He said Christianity and Islam both preaching a humane cause, which requires ongoing dialogue for the best of both faiths.

Sources:

"Austria's top priest says Muslims have right to build mosques" Kuwait News Agency March 18, 2008

"Muslims have a right to mosques: Austrian cleric" Al Arabiya News ChannelMarch 18, 2008

"Minarets are provocation, Austrian bishop says" Earth Times March 18, 2008

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