ISLAMABAD, Feb 3: US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan C. Crocker said on Friday that the blasphemous cartoons published in certain European newspapers were offensive to Muslims and did not reflect respect for their religious beliefs.

In reply to a question, the ambassador said: “These cartoons do not reflect in anyway the views of the American people towards Islam.”

“We believe that inciting religious or ethnic hatred in this manner is not acceptable. We stand for tolerance and respect for all communities and for their religious beliefs and practices.”

The US, said Mr Crocker, recognized and respected freedom of the press and expression, but pointed out that this freedom must be coupled with a sense of press responsibility to respect others as well.—APP