Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
On Saturday, the European Union issued a statement regarding the burning of the Holy Qur’an in Sweden, although several days have passed since the incident. In the statement issued by Nabila Masrali, spokeswoman for the European Foreign Policy Department, she commented on the incident of burning the Qur’an and the attack on the Swedish embassy building in Iraq and said, “The European Union is following developments in Baghdad closely and calls for calm and restraint We condemn the attacks on diplomatic buildings.
The European Union joins the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its strong rejection of the burning of the Qur'an by a person in Sweden. This work in no way reflects the views of the European Union.
Burning the Qur'an or other holy books is insulting, disrespectful and a clear provocation. Manifestations of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance have no place in Europe.
It is even more unfortunate that such an act was carried out in the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The European Union continues to defend freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, abroad and at home.
   Now is the time to stand together for mutual understanding and respect and to prevent any further escalation.