CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF MUFTIS OF RUSSIA CONDEMNED AFGHAN TALEBAN








MOSCOW, 6 March. /RIA Novosti correspondent Yekaterina Antipova/. Chairman of the Council of muftis of Russia Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin is of the opinion that "all monuments of culture should be treated respectfully". He made that statement on Tuesday at a press conference in Moscow in relation to the decision of Afghan Taleban to destroy ancient Buddha sculptures.


	In the opinion of the Sheikh, monuments of culture in the territory of Afghanistan "do not interfere with Moslems who live there". He indicated that "presently idolatry does not threaten Moslems as was the case in the ancient times". Buddhist monuments "do not pose threats to Taleban".


	He emphasized that Russian Moslems treat "all cultures and religions with respect".