UAE denounces reprinting of Danish Cartoons

Abu Dhabi, March 17, 2008 (WAM)--The UAE decried Monday the position taken by the Danish government on reprinting of the cartoons by the Danish press, defaming Islam and personality of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

Summoning Non Resident Danish Ambassador to UAE Hans Klingenbeg to his office, Foreign Affairs State Minister Dr Anwar Mohammed Al Gargash delivered a protest memo to him, protesting the stance of his government on reprinting of the outrageous cartoons.

Al Gargash said at the meeting that "the UAE has been keen to bolster and sustain relations with many countries worldwide, including the Kingdom of Denmark", indicating that the UAE respects religious freedom and tolerance among world people. Hence, "it condemns unwise position of the Danish government for not preventing the reprinting of the cartoons defaming Islam and Prophet Mohammed by the Danish press".

He reiterated the stance of UAE clearly "on non mixing up between the press freedoms and ridiculing of Islam. This will definitely cast shadow on the bilateral relations between the two countries".

Al Gargash noted that the Danish government could do more to stop the deformation of Islam, which is apparently seen through the infamous Danish cartoons, adding that the UAE would remain vocal and tolerant, and build foreign relations, but would not tolerate attacks on "our Islamic heritage".

He added that the UAE quashes to make the press freedom as a cover for defaming "our religion and prophet".

Present at the meeting was Ambassador Dr Tariq Ahmed Al Haydan, assistant undersecretary of the ministry for political affairs.