UAE issues memo to Denmark against Prophet's cartoons

Dubai, Mar 18 (UNI) Denouncing the republishing of the blasphemous cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in Danish newspapers, the UAE has issued a protest memo against Denmark, saying the Danish government must take action to stop attacks on Islam.

Foreign Affairs minister Anwar Mohammad Gargash delivered the protest memo to Danish Ambassador Hans Klingenbeg yesterday, decrying the stance of the Danish government on reprinting the cartoons.

''The UAE has been keen in bolstering and maintaining its relations with countries around the world, including Denmark, because the UAE respects religious freedom and tolerance among people all over the world,'' the memo said.

It criticised the Danish government for not preventing the reprinting of the cartoons, defaming Islam and the Prophet Mohammad, the Gulf news reported.

''This will definitely cast a shadow on bilateral relations between the two countries,'' Mr Garghash said, adding the UAE would remain vocal and tolerant, and establish relations with foreign countries but not tolerate attacks on Islamic heritage.

The UAE refuses to accept the use of press freedom as a cover for defaming ''our religion and Prophet'', he added.

UNI XC SYU KN1646