By KUNA
Paris : 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.”