Reactions and comments on the «Danish cartoons» affair

No real apology concerning the «Danish cartoons» emerged from EU’s foreign ministers council which took place on the 27 of January. Commission President Jose’ Manuel Barroso argued that «Freedom of speech is a crucial value for Europe and it’s not up for negotiation». Likewise, European Commissioner For justice freedom and security Franco Frattini added that «intimidation, violence and boycotts are unacceptable and the dialogue must be based on tolerance and not prejudice». EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana yet underscored that «Freedom of press entails responsibility».

Contrasting with the conciliatory line adopted by EU officials, author Salman Rushdie in line with a group of fellow intellectuals warned against totalitarianism from Islamist circles in a manifesto, announcing that the latter group refuses to renounce to their critical spirit out of fear of being accused of islamophobia. He also added that «This is not a clash of civilizations but a global struggle between democrats and theocrats».

A striking debate on this issue took place on the 6th of March in the Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights of the Euromediterranean Parlamentary Assembly (EMPA). The conclusion of this debate pointed towards two critical positions. The Arabic and North-African MPs underlined the limits of freedom of speech, often leading to abuses. Europeans conversely highlighted the completely unfair contrast, well pictured by the standing of mosques in Europe and Christian churches in Muslim countries.

Documents:

 Euractiv article: Cartoon affair: Intellectuals defend free speech (01/03/06)

http://www.euractiv.com/Article?tcmuri=tcm:29-153033-16&type=News

-Euractiv article: EU to encourage dialogue with Muslim nations (24/02/06)

http://www.euractiv.com/Article?tcmuri=tcm:29-152934-16&type=News

 Freedom of speech: rights and responsibilities by Vice-President Franco Frattini, European Commissioner responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, (20/02/06)

http://www.libertysecurity.org/article848.html