EL ExB meeting Rome, 26 February, 2006

 

 

 

Resolution of the Party of the European Left on the crisis aroused by the Cartoons of Mohammed

 

 

The EL Executive Board exchanged views on the ongoing debate in Danmark and -meanwhile - all European countries about the political implications following the development caused by the cartoons of Mohamed. It was stated:

 

 

We consider freedom of expression as one of the constituent pre-conditions of democracy. When publications assume a defamatory character or incite religious or race hatred, it is up to the courts to judge them. Respect of all religious beliefs is a major dimension of secularism.

 

The publication in the Danish newspaper “Jyllands-Posten” and then in other European countries of caricatures of Mohammed and particularly one of them explicitly identifying Islam with terrorism has aroused intense feelings of indignation in the Moslem world.

 

The reactions of those who demonstrated their indignation, partly in an condemnable violent way, have to be seen in the context of the rising anti-western sentiments and religious fundamentalism of the last years. These developments are particularly resulting from the brutal offensive of the Bush-administration and its appeal to the “clash of civilisations”, which we are totally rejecting.

 

The political crisis has been deliberately exploited and even rigged by the most extreme right forces in Europe and by the radical trends of Islamic politics, with the cynical support of certain governments, so as to
exacerbate hatred and fanaticism between peoples with different religions and cultures.

 

This is why we call political forces and governments in Europe and elsewhere to show the greatest sense of responsibility, to refuse giving way to the blackmail imposed by extremist movements and parties, wherever they come from, who are seeking to push back the values and democratic gains of our countries.

 

 

Rome, 27-02-2006