February 18, 2006	Saturday	Muharram 19, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: Norwegian Muslims and Christians on Friday condemned the blasphemous caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) published in a Danish daily during a discussion hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).

The delegation comprised representatives of Norwegian Church Aid, Church of Norway and Islamic Council of Norway.

Ame Saeveraas of Norwegian Church Aid said the Christians in his country were the first to condemn the blasphemous cartoons, and their government also apologized for their re-publishing in a Norwegian newspaper.

He said Muslims had accepted the apology. “We felt the same pain caused to Muslims and our forum protested against this blasphemous act,” Mr Saeveraas added.

Commenting on the harmony between the Norwegian Muslims and Christians, Mr Saeveraas said the Norwegian example was ideal for the world to follow. “The wrong rumours can badly affect the Christian-Muslim harmony in Norway,” he feared.

Islamic Council of Norway Vice-President Senaid Kobilica said the Muslims enjoyed complete freedom in Norway and they were supported by the church in such situations.

“We have regular meetings with the church on the caricatures issue and together we condemn such blasphemous acts,” he added.

Mr Kobilicia feared that the violent protests against Norway where Norwegian assets were targeted and flag was burned could harm their peaceful coexistence with Christian community, which had taken many years to develop.

“Over-reaction is not the right way to protest and our Prophet does no preach so,” he added.

Father Knnt Kittilsaa, representative of Church of Norway, stressed for the need to resolve all misunderstandings between the Muslims and Christians and to create a long-term trust. He said the church was working with the Muslims to safeguard freedom of the belief and faith.

“Dialogue between the church and Muslims has evolved a framework that can stop such incidents from happening,” Father Kittilsaa said.

Father Geir Valle of Church of Norway said there was a growing sense to work together to construct interfaith harmony. He said they felt the same pain like the Muslims.

IPS Director-General Khalid Rahman told the delegation that steps should be taken to prevent such an incident in the future. He said the caricatures issue could not be separated from other issues facing the Muslims.