We strongly condemn publication by Denmark's Jyllands‑Posten newspaper on 30 September 2005 of the cartoons which insulted our Holy Prophet Muhammad pbuh (peace be upon him) and hurt the feelings of Moslem people. The attitude of various European newspapers which supported the Danish newspaper and reprinted those cartoons under the false pretext of showing a solidarity for the freedom of the press and expression only caused more indignation among Moslem people and contributed to the continuation of the defamation of Islam. Such irresponsible journalism is unacceptable.

In this context, the statements made by the Prime Minister of Poland, H.E. Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz, as well as by the Foreign Minister H.E. Stefan Meller in which they condemned the reprinting by a Polish newspaper of the cartoons on 4 February 2006 has brought us some comfort. We would like to express our appreciation for the sensitivity shown by H.E. the Prime Minister and H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as other Polish authorities in the face of this deplorable act which does not conform with the principle of responsible journalism. The belated apology of the Polish daily which printed the cartoons is also welcomed.

On the other hand, with growing concern, we are witnessing the escalation of disturbing tensions provoked by the publication, in European newspapers, of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad that Muslims consider deeply offensive. We shall all lose if we fail to immediately defuse this situation, which can only leave a trail of mistrust and misunderstanding between both sides in its wake. Therefore, it is necessary to make an appeal for respect and calm, and let the voice of reason be heard.

In a globalized world, in which the relationships and exchanges among different civilizations continue to multiply, and in which a local incident may have worldwide repercussions, it is vital that we cultivate the values of respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Freedom of expression is one of the cornerstones of the civilized world and we shall never relinquish it. But there are no rights without responsibility and respect for different sensibilities.

We need to cultivate peaceful coexistence, which is only possible when there is interest in understanding the other side's point of view, and respect for that which it holds most sacred.

Today, more than anything else, we need wisdom and understanding between the followers of different faiths to facilitate a constructive dialogue and cooperation. We know that both Polish authorities and Polish people, with their deep understanding of moral values, will commit themselves to take active part in such a dialogue between Islam and Christianity.

We are sure that the Muslim community of Poland is ready to contribute and promote the understanding between different faiths which coexist peacefully in this country.

The Muslim Ambassadors will continue to do their best to promote the cultural, social and economic relations between their countries and Poland.

Polish and Danish Ministers of Foreign Affairs had a telephone conversation.

On February 13, 2006 in a telephone conversation with Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom of Denmark H.E. Per Stig Møller Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland H.E. Stefan Meller expressed deep concern about the violent attack on the Royal Danish Embassy in Damascus and declared solidarity with the Royal Danish Government. The Minister reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to freedom of press – a cornerstone of the European democracy, but deplored and condemned caricature of religious symbols.