UN calls for respecting religions, warns against insulting them

NEW YORK, Oct. 29 (YPA) – The High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, on Thursday commented on what is being raised in the world recently regarding the offensive cartoons insulting to the Prophet of Islam, Mohammed.

“Freedom of expression should fully respect the religious beliefs of all religions,” Moratinos said in a statement by the UN Secretary-General’s office, warning against insulting religions and sacred religious symbols.

The UN statement indicated that “the High Representative is following with deep concern the escalating tensions and the cases of intolerance raised by the publication of the offensive cartoons.”

The statement added that the provocative cartoons also provoked acts of violence against innocent civilians who have been attacked because of their religion, belief or race.

Moratinos emphasized that “insulting to religions and religious symbols causes hatred and violent extremism.”

YPA