Condemning The Burning of Al-Qur'an in Denmark, Iraq Calls on European Union to Reconsider Freedom of Expression
JAKARTA - The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned "in the strongest terms" the protest action that followed the burning of the Koran, which took place outside its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The ministry called on EU members to "urgently reconsider so-called freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate," state media said.
A protester trampled Korans and burned them on a tray next to an Iraqi flag on Monday, cited from Reuters on July 24.
The action in Copenhagen and similar actions on Friday were carried out by members of a far-right group called the Danish Patriots. The actions followed a series of similar incidents in Sweden that have strained the country's international relations.
"Such acts allow the virus of extremism and hatred to become a real threat to the peaceful coexistence of societies," the Iraqi ministry said, citing The National News.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on Monday met with ambassadors from European Union countries, where he again condemned the desecration.
He said the action had "nothing to do with freedom of expression" and called on European Union countries to "combat against such racist acts and all acts that incite violence".
Separately, the Council of Muslim Elders, based in the United Arab Emirates, issued a statement condemning the burning of the Koran by extremists in Denmark.
"The Council reiterated that it resolutely rejects heinous acts aimed at provoking Muslims around the world, while also stressing that the repetition of such racist acts reflects heinous extremism, blind bigotry and abhorrent hatred, which is against basic human principles and norms," according to the statement.
"Furthermore, these abhorrent acts will only undermine global efforts to promote peace and coexistence," the statement continued.
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It is understood demonstrators in Baghdad stormed the Swedish embassy last week and blocked a bridge on Saturday in protest at events in Denmark.
Iraq on Monday said Danish diplomatic staff had left Baghdad, amid anger at the Nordic countries for allowing the Koran burning protests.
While Swedish authorities have authorized the demonstrations citing free speech, they say their permission does not signify approval of the march.