Chinese FM spokesman on caricature row

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan on Tuesday said that the publication of some controversial caricatures violated the principle of mutual-respect and harmonious co-existence between different religions and civilizations.

However, the spokesman also noted that the safety of the diplomatic mission should be protected according to the concerning international laws.

Kong made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked for comments on the on-going dispute between Islamic countries and Denmark over daily newspaper Jyllands-Posten's publication of 12 Mohammed caricatures.

The 12 cartoons were published by Jyllands-Posten in September, 2005. One showed prophet Mohammed wearing a turban shaped as a bomb.

Recently, media in Norway and other European countries reprinted the cartoons, drawing strong criticism from the Islamic world.

The publication triggered violent protests in Syria and Lebanon where Danish embassies were torched over the weekend.

"We noticed that some press published those cartoons. Such activities violated the principles of mutual-respect and harmonious co-existence between different religions and civilizations," Kong said.

"Meanwhile, the security of diplomatic missions should be safeguarded according to related international laws," he said.

"We hope that all sides will maintain restraint and calmness, and enhance communication and dialogue in a bid to properly deal with the issue," he noted.

Source: Xinhua