Emergency moves as violence spreads

THE European Union has demanded that all Islamic states offer adequate protection to European citizens and property in case of further violent demonstrations over cartoons of the prophet Mohammed.

An emergency meeting of representatives of the 25 member states was called by the Austrian presidency of the EU in Brussels, yesterday, to discuss the burning of offices and embassies in Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinian state.

In Vienna, the Austrian foreign minister Ursula Plassnik called in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, representing 57 countries, to express growing EU concern.

Over the last few days, Austria’s diplomatic representatives in Damascus, Ramallah and Beirut, where embassies and other buildings have been attacked, have protested to the governments concerned.

The European Commission, meanwhile, has issued its strongest statement yet about the controversy.

Spokesperson Johannes Laitenberger said they are aware that the cartoons had angered many Muslims. “But no grievance, perceived or real, can justify the acts of violence seen at the weekend”, he added.

He said the freedom of expression that allowed the cartoons to be printed can also be used to criticise their publication, encouraging vigorous debate and mutual respect.

Denmark and other countries are losing millions of euro daily as a result of a boycott of their goods in many Arab states.