Libya asks Muslims to wage jihad on Switzerland

In response to Switzerland's plan to ban the construction of minarets on mosques, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi has called for jihad against one of the most peaceful nations in the world.

"Any Muslim in any part of the world who works with Switzerland is an apostate, is against (the Prophet) Muhammad, God and the Koran," The Times quoted Colonel Gaddafi as saying at a rally.

In November, an overwhelming majority of the Swiss population voted against the construction of new minarets, resulting in a national referendum to ban the construction of minarets.

He said Switzerland, "an infidel, obscene state which is destroying mosques", was at the very least an ideological enemy.

Gaddafi also clarified that he was not calling for an Al Qaeda-like jihad -- an organisation he described as a "a psychological disease".

"There is a big difference between terrorism and jihad," he pointed out.

"The masses of Muslims must go to all airports in the Islamic world and prevent any Swiss plane from landing, to all harbours and prevent any Swiss ships from docking," he added, apparently unaware that Switzerland does not have a coast.

Gaddafi's call of holy war is being seen as the latest low point in his relationship with Switzerland, which has been deteriorating since 2008, when his son Hannibal was detained in Geneva after allegedly beating his servants.

When Hannibal Gaddafi and his wife were held by the Swiss police, the Libyan authorities cut off oil supplies to Switzerland, withdrew several billion dollars from Swiss banks and held two Swiss businessmen. One was allowed to leave this week, but the second, Max Goldi, is still in prison.