Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja sent an open letter to newspapers in Muslim countries

Press release 38/2006
15 February, 2006


The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Erkki Tuomioja sent an open letter to the main newspapers in various Muslim countries on Monday, 13 February. The letter was addressed to the editors of the newspapers published, among others, in Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

In the letter Tuomioja expresses his concern about the violent acts that have occurred in reaction to the publication in Denmark, and subsequently in some other European newspapers, of insulting caricatures of the Prophet Muhammed.

"From the Finnish perspective, a country where no pictures so far - to my great satisfaction - have been published in newspapers, I would like to emphasise that intentionally hurting the religious feelings of anyone is unwise and deplorable", Tuomioja writes.

"Liberty of expression is a fundamental value and a democratic right in our society to which governments in our societies are committed to. Its responsible use entails promoting the respect of religions and the spiritual feelings of people belonging to all religions", he continues. "If mistakes are made it is but common sense to regret and apologise for them made and for the injuries incurred."

"While the publication of the cartoons was unwise it is necessary to underline that the reaction, when it has taken violent forms, including the burning of diplomatic missions and aggressions against international peace keepers, is unacceptable. Violence is contrary to the basic values we all share irrespective of our cultural backgrounds and does not solve anything in this situation but leads us into a spiral of further confrontation with untold consequences", he points out.

"These events make the need for renewed and international dialogue, among and between communities of different faiths and authorities of different countries, all the more urgent. I would like to appeal for mutual restraint and calm, in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect. The situation will not be improved by any kind of retaliatory measures which would show disrespect for the People of the Book, be it Muslim, Christian or Jew. Such unacceptable measures can only fuel intolerance and violence when we need to show more respect, dignity and tolerance vis-à-vis one another."

Tuomioja reminds, that during the past 10 years important steps have been taken in promoting intercultural and religious dialogue between our great civilisations. "Our true objective should be to get back on course, build bridges and interact with respect with one another. Finland will be chairing the European Union later this year. One of our main objectives during this time will be to seek a strong engagement with the Islamic world."

Additional information: Press Attaché to Foreign Minister Tuomioja Susanna Parkkonen, tel. +358 9 1605 5012

The letter of the Minister Tuomioja

Foreign Minister Tuomioja about the happenings in Syria

Foreign Minister Tuomioja: An apology does not violate anybody's freedom of speech