BRUSSELS, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- The European Union and NATO have condemned weekend violence against Europeans in the Middle East, stressing the importance of press freedom in democracies.
The Union's foreign affairs chief, Javier Solana, urged local, political and religious authorities to put an end to the violent demonstrations in the Muslim world against the publication of 12 caricatures of Mohammed, saying such acts can only harm the peaceful image of Islam.
"It is now time for everyone to act to calm the situation and to help consolidate the relationship of friendship and mutual respect sought by all the governments of the European Union," he said.
NATO's Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer joined the chorus, condemning the attacks on Scandinavian embassies in Syria and Lebanon.
"While I understand that many Muslims have been offended by the recently published editorial cartoons, there is absolutely no justification for this violence," said the alliance chief, adding: "Nor can the freedom of the press in our countries ever be called in any way into question."
