Eur-out of order
It was reassuring to hear that Members of the European Parliament have condemned the violent protests in Europe following the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. They expressed solidarity with Denmark, saying an attack on one EU country was an attack on all.
MEPs strongly rejected the idea that a clash of civilisations was at the root of the uproar, but called for dialogue. Several speakers in the debate also called for press to exercise its freedom with responsibility.
Speaking on behalf of the main centre-left group, Danish MEP Poul Nyrup Rasmussen said Europe had learned the values of peaceful co-existence the hard way. “We say no to those who claim it is us against them,” he said. But he criticised Islamic extremists who had, he said, used the cartoons to create new myths and inflame violence.
Solidarity, but calling for dialogue. Not solidarity and inciting violence. Maybe civilisation can teach religion a few lessons…
February 15th, 2006 at 9:00 pm
Wow, they suddenly decided that the whole thing was unfair and against our highest institution, democracy and freedom of speech.
Actually this should have happened from the beginning and never let Denmark fighting alone!