DUSHANBE
, February 7,
Asia
-Plus –
U.S.
views cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad as offensive and morally repugnant.
An open letter by U.S. Ambassador to
Tajikistan
, Richard Hoagland, to the Tajik people says, “Cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammad as a terrorist have generated passionate controversy and debate.”
“It is important to communicate clearly the views of the
United States
on this critical issue. The
United States
views these cartoons as offensive and morally repugnant. We also recognize that in a free society, people have the right to express views even when they are offensive and wrong. Those who disagree have the right to condemn such views, but the condemnations should be peaceful.”
“The
United States
urges constructive dialogue about this difficult issue. We also urge those who are criticizing these cartoons to speak out against all forms of hate speech, including cartoons and articles throughout the Arab world, which frequently espouse anti-Semitic or anti-Christian views. Dialogue and respect for different points of view is critical, especially as we engage in discussions about deeply held and precious religious convictions.”
