EU statement on ‘Quran provocation’

In its statement on the burning of the Holy Quran and subsequent demonstrations in Sweden, the European Union (EU) stated that such actions against holy books are disrespectful and openly provocative, and that it will continue to support freedom of expression as well as freedom of religion and belief.

Statement from the office of the EU High Representative for Foreign Relations and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on the burning of the Holy Quran under police protection in front of the Stockholm Mosque on June 28 by Iraqi Salwan Momika in Stockholm, on capital of Sweden, and the events that followed.

In the communiqué, which states that the events in Baghdad, where the protests were taking place and calls for restraint, are being closely monitored, the attacks on diplomatic buildings are condemned. In the statement, it was claimed that the EU was also involved in the Swedish Foreign Ministry’s strong opposition to the burning of the Koran, and included the following statements:

“This action in no way reflects the views of the EU. Burning the Qur’an or any holy book is an offensive, disrespectful and openly provocative act. Racism, xenophobia and related intolerance have no place in Europe. It is even more unfortunate that such an act takes place during Eid al-Adha, a major Muslim celebration. The EU continues to support freedom of religion and belief, as well as freedom of expression, both at home and abroad. Now is the time to stick together out of mutual understanding and respect, and to avoid escalating tensions.”

After the action in Stockholm, hundreds of people in Iraq protested against Sweden. Following a call from Shiite leader Muqtada Sadr, a group raided the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday and climbed on the roof of the building. (AA)