Danish Muslims accept apology

2006-01-31 16:24

Copenhagen - The Muslim group that spearheaded criticism of a Danish newspaper for publishing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad said on Tuesday it accepted the paper's apology.

The publication of cartoons deemed insulting to Islam's prophet in the Jyllands-Posten sparked widespread anger in the Muslim world, including boycotts of Danish products. The newspaper published an apology late on Monday.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen said his government could not apologise on behalf of a newspaper, but said he personally "never would have depicted Muhammad, Jesus or any other religious character in a way that could offend other people".

A spokesperson for Denmark's Islamic Faith Community, Kasem Ahmad, said on Danish radio on Tuesday that "we will clearly and articulately thank the prime minister and Jyllands-Posten for what they have done".

Fogh Rasmussen said: "I am pleased to note that this apology has been received positively by Muslim communities in Denmark and that they have pledged support for our efforts."

It was not clear whether the newspaper's apology and the statements of the prime minister and Ahmad would defuse the anger that arose in Muslim countries.

Fogh Rasmussen called on all sides to refrain from further aggravating the dispute.

"I call on all parties to abstain from any statements that they will create further tensions in Denmark as well in other countries. We must do our utmost to get back to the dialogue and build on the friendship that has always characterised the relations between Denmark and the Muslim world," he said.

"I do hope that the apology (by the newspaper) will contribute to comfort those who have been hurt," he said. "I would like to emphasise that the Danish government condemns any expression, action or indication that attempts to demonise groups on the basis of their religion or ethnic background."

- AP