Lebanon apologises after caricature protesters torch mission

Lebanon today apologised to Denmark after thousands of rampaging Muslim demonstrators set fire to Denmark’s diplomatic mission in Beirut.

The riots yesterday were the most violent so far in the escalating worldwide Islamic rage over caricatures of the prophet Muhammad.

Lebanese Information Minister Ghazi Aridi, speaking early today after a late Sunday emergency Cabinet meeting, said the Lebanese government had unanimously “rejected and condemned the acts of riots ... that harmed Lebanon’s reputation and its civilised image, and the noble aim of the demonstration.”

He said the Cabinet was apologising to Denmark. Officials have said at least one person reportedly died and about 200 were detained in the violence yesterday in Beirut.