Secretary-General concerned by Danish cartoon controversy, says exercise

 

of press freedom should always respect religious beliefs

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is concerned over the controversy that has been created by the publication of the Danish cartoons.  He believes that the freedom of the press should always be exercised in a way that fully respects the religious beliefs and tenets of all religions.  The Secretary-General also believes in the importance of overcoming misunderstandings and animosities between people of different beliefs and cultural traditions through peaceful dialogue and mutual respect.

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