"Rejection of violence, respect of the freedom of expression and of the dignity of every religion". These are the three "mainstays" of a dialogue between cultures and peoples and a "peaceful coexistence", which were listed today by Franco Frattini, vice-president of the EU Commission, and by Mohamed Sherif, secretary general of the World Islamic Call Society. The meeting took place in Brussels and provided for "a shared review" of the recent events associated with the publication of the cartoons on the prophet Muhammad. "We must clarly repeat claimed Frattini that violence cannot be excused, not even if one burns a flag", because "this can be the beginning of a protest" that can escalate into violence. After all, the commissioner defended the freedom of expression, "which cannot be restrained by the law". The subject will be dealt with in Strasbourg next week during a EU Parliament meeting. From Sunday 12th instead, the High Representative for EU foreign policies, Javier Solana, will be travelling through a number of Middle Eastern capitals: the purpose of his mission is to "send a positive message" to the governments "as well as to the citizens of those countries" at a time of political and diplomatic tension between Europe and the Middle East.
