5 February 2006 Reacting 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.
