WASHINGTON, May 13: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has assured Muslims around the world that the Bush administration will take ‘appropriate action’ if allegations of desecration of the Holy Quran by US interrogators at Guantanamo Bay are proven. Addressing the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, Ms Rice sought an end to violent protests stirred by these allegations, noting that “sadly, some people have lost their lives in (these) demonstrations.”

Before making her statement, Ms Rice told the committee’s chairman that she wanted to “speak directly to Muslims in America and throughout the world” on an issue that has disturbed the entire Muslim community. “I am asking all our friends around the world to reject incitement to violence by those who would mischaracterize our intentions,” she said.

Ms Rice said “disrespect for the Holy Quran is not now, nor has it ever been, nor will it ever be, tolerated by the United States.”

“We honour the sacred books of all the world’s great religions. Disrespect for the Holy Quran is abhorrent to us all,” she added. Assuring the Muslims that the Bush administration will not ignore the reported incident, she said: “Our military authorities are investigating these allegations fully. If they are proven true, we will take appropriate action.”

She said that during the past few days, America’s Muslim allies had contacted Washington to express their concerns on this matter. “We understand and we share their concerns,” she added.