 BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) sought again on Monday to calm the row over Prophet Muhammad (PTUI PBUH) cartoons, reiterating the need for free speech to be tempered by religious respect in talks with a Pakistani minister.
| If it's tempered, it ain't free. |
But Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU external relations commissioner, speaking after talks with Ijazul Haq, the visiting religious affairs minister, also repeated criticism of violent protests including in Pakistan. “I would like to stress that freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but it comes with responsibilities and should be exercised with respect for all religious beliefs and cultures,” she said. But she added: “Violent acts cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
| "If you have to watch every word you say for fear of setting somebody off, the somebody is probably a lunatic." |
Ferrero-Waldner welcomed the Pakistani minister’s visit, accompanied by a delegation of lawmakers, as a chance to bridge the communications gap between the two sides in the dispute. “Pakistan is an important partner of the EU and the EU is keen to advance its relations with Pakistan and the EU and its member states will actively promote dialogue, mutual understanding and respect”. “Together with our partners in the Muslim world we need to look into possibilities of education on human rights. We will work...to foster tolerance as well as respect for religious beliefs and cultures.” |