WASHINGTON, May 12 (UPI) -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the United States will look into allegations a copy of the Koran was desecrated by interrogators at Guantanamo Bay.
"Our military authorities are investigating these allegations fully," she told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs during an appearance Thursday. "If they are proven true, we will take appropriate action."
Addressing Muslims worldwide, Rice said disrespect for the Koran, Islam's holy book, would not be tolerated by the United States.
"Disrespect for the Holy Koran is abhorrent to us all," she said.
Riots have broken out in Afghanistan and Pakistan over reports U.S. interrogators desecrated the Koran while questioning terrorism suspects at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. At least three protesters were killed in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, Wednesday.
Rice said the United States understands Muslim concerns but urged calm.
"I am asking that all our friends around the world reject incitement to violence by those who would mischaracterize our intentions," she said.
