LOC13:05
10:05 GMT
PARIS, April 1 (KUNA) -- The UNESCO "strongly" condemned the Dutch
anti-Islam film for being broadcasted on the internet, calling for a "calm"
dialogue among different religions to avoid any escalation of tension.
Director General of UNESCO Koichiro Matsuura strongly condemned in a
statement the Internet broadcast of an offensively anti-Islamic video made by
the Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders.
He stressed "There is no justification for such an expression of hate or
incitation of violence."
"On this occasion, let me recall the decision taken in April 2006 by
UNESCOs Executive Board regarding the issue of respect for freedom of
expression and respect for religious beliefs and religious symbols."
He indicated that this decision, which reaffirms "strongly" the exercise of
freedom of expression in a spirit of mutual respect and mutual understanding,
is "fully in line with the rights and obligations contained in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 as well as in the International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights of 1966."
He noted that this decision "is today more relevant than ever."
"Hence, I join my voice to that of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and others
who have spoken out against this film to appeal for a calm and enlightened
dialogue among communities of different cultures and religions and to avoid
any escalation of tensions," Matsuura indicated.
Muslims worldwide protested the film "Fitna" whereas the EU and many other
countries condemned it. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also has condemned
the film, saying "there is no justification for hate speech or the incitement
of violence." (end)
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