5 February 2006 -- Reacting to attacks sparked by a furor over controversial cartoons first published in a Danish newspaper, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said that while he shares the distress of offended Muslims, they must not respond with violence.
"The Secretary-General is alarmed by the threats and violence, including the attacks on embassies that have occurred in Syria and Lebanon and other countries over the past few days," his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement issued in New York.
Noting that Mr. Annan shares the distress felt by many Muslims at the publication of caricatures considered insulting to their religion, "he wishes to emphasize that such resentment cannot justify violence, least of all when directed at people who have no responsibility for, or control over, the publications in question."
The spokesman repeated Mr. Annan's urging that Muslims accept the apology given by the Danish newspaper, act in the "true spirit of a religion famed for its values of mercy and compassion," and put this episode behind them.
Through his spokesman, the Secretary-General also appealed to all parties, particularly governments and authorities "to do everything they can to reduce tension and to avoid actions or statements which might increase it."
"Now, more than ever, it is time for people of good will in all faiths and communities to come together in a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect," Mr. Dujarric said.
THE FULL TEXT
FROM UNITED NATIONS WEBSITE
New York, 5 February 2006 - Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on violent reactions to caricatures of Prophet Muhammad
The Secretary-General is alarmed by the threats and violence, including the attacks on embassies, that have occurred in Syria and Lebanon and other countries over the past few days. While he shares the distress felt by many Muslims at the publication of caricatures which they see as insulting to their religion, he wishes to emphasize that such resentment cannot justify violence, least of all when directed at people who have no responsibility for, or control over, the publications in question.
Once again, he urges Muslims to accept the apology given by the Danish newspaper, to act in the true spirit of a religion famed for its values of mercy and compassion, and to put this episode behind them. He also appeals to all parties, particularly all governments and authorities, whether religious or secular, to do everything they can to reduce tension and to avoid actions or statements which might increase it. He believes that now, more than ever, it is time for people of good will in all faiths and communities to come together in a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect.
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