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News Releases
José Manuel Barroso
No. 15/06
February 15, 2006
EU PRESIDENT BARROSO’S STATEMENT ON THE ISSUE OF THE CARTOONS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD
Today (European Commission)
President Barroso issued the following statement
on the issue of the
cartoons of Prophet Muhammad at the
European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
"The publication of cartoons in Danish and other
European newspapers and the reactions to this have
revealed sensitive and fundamental issues. The cartoons
have aggrieved many Muslims all over the world. We must
respect these sensitivities and the expression of them
through peaceful protest – which is a fundamental right
in any open society.
"I share the views expressed by Prime Minister Fogh
Rasmussen, where he made clear that his government
respects Islam as one of the world’s major religions and
that it has no intention to insult Muslims and does not
support activities in this sense. I want, personally
today, to emphasise my deep respect for Islamic
civilisation and the contribution it has made and
continues to make to Europe.
"The [European] Commission’s concern is not with the peaceful
response of the majority to the cartoons. It is with the
violent reactions of a minority. Reactions which have
been disowned by many Muslims.
"Therefore the Commission condemns, in the strongest
possible terms, the violence perpetrated against our
office in Gaza, and against the missions of the Member
States, in particular those of Denmark. It is ironic
that the aim of these missions is to bring real benefits
to the lives of the people of their host countries.
"Nor is a trade boycott an appropriate way of addressing
the issue. It would hurt the economic interests of all
parties and could damage the growing trading links
between the EU and the countries concerned. Trade, and
the greater interconnections it brings, is a means to
promote mutual understanding. And let us be clear; a
boycott of Danish goods is by definition a boycott of
European goods.
"I have spoken with the Prime Minister of Denmark and
expressed the solidarity of the Commission. I want here
today to send my solidarity to the people of Denmark as
well; a people who rightly enjoy the reputation as being
amongst the most open and tolerant not just in Europe
but in the world. I welcome here today their
representatives, in the form of a delegation from the
Danish Parliament.
"I have also spoken with Chancellor Schussel. The
Commission will continue to work with the
[EU] Austrian
Presidency and all parties to resolve the problem
peacefully and efficiently.
"This issue raises wider themes. Our European society is
based on respect for the individual person’s life and
freedom, equality of rights between men and women,
freedom of speech and a clear distinction between
politics and religion. Our point of departure is that as
human beings we are free, independent, equal and
responsible. We must safeguard these principles.
"Freedom of speech is part of Europe’s values and
traditions. Let me be clear. Freedom of speech is not
negotiable. Like all freedoms, its preservation depends
on responsible use by individuals. Governments or other
public authorities do not prescribe or authorize the
opinions expressed by individuals. Conversely, the
opinions expressed by individuals engage these
individuals and only them. They do not engage a
country, a people, a religion. And we should not allow
others to pretend that they do.
"Freedom of speech is the basis not only of the
possibility to publish an opinion, but also to criticize
it. Freedom of speech cuts both ways.
"Freedom of speech has limits, as well. These must be
respected. They are defined and enforced by the law and
legal systems of the Member States of the European
Union. It is self evidently unacceptable to go outside
the law.
"Freedom of religion is not negotiable either. Just as
Europe respects freedom of speech so it must, and does,
respect freedom of religion. Religious freedom is a
fundamental right of individuals and communities; it
entails respect for the integrity of all religious
convictions and all ways in which they are exercised.
Muslims must be able to practise their faith in the same
way as the adherents of other religions and convictions
practise theirs.
"The European Union and its Member States have for a
long time promoted dialogue between different
communities both within the EU and with neighbouring
Muslim countries and Muslim countries in other parts of
the world.
"It is through a vigorous but peaceful dialogue of
opinions under the protection of the freedom of
expression that mutual understanding can be deepened and
mutual respect can be built. I am fostering and will
continue to foster dialogue between cultures and with
religions. This dialogue must be based on tolerance, not
prejudice, and on freedom of expression and religion and
the values connected with them. Violence is the enemy of
dialogue. We must not allow the minority of extremists
to win. Let the best of our values win against the worst
of prejudices."
Further Contact Information
Press and Public Diplomacy
Delegation of the European Commission
2300 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
http://www.eurunion.org/PressRoom
Tel: 202-862-9552
Fax: 202-429-1766
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