def _parse_queues(queues):
        """
        Parse the given parameter and return a list of queues.
        The parameter must be a list/tuple of strings, or a string with queues
        separated by a comma.
        """
        if not queues:
            raise ConfigurationException('The queue(s) to use are not defined')

        if isinstance(queues, (list, tuple)):
            for queue_name in queues:
                if not isinstance(queue_name, str):
                    raise ConfigurationException('Queue name "%s" is not a (base)string')

        elif isinstance(queues, basestring):
            queues = str(queues).split(',')

        else:
            raise ConfigurationException('Invalid format for queues names')

        return list(queues)
Parse the given parameter and return a list of queues.
        The parameter must be a list/tuple of strings, or a string with queues
        separated by a comma.