BERLIN, Feb 7: German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday alleged the controversy over the publication of cartoons may have been exploited to incite unrest in Muslim countries, including Iran.

“In the last few days I have had the impression that in many Arab countries the cartoon controversy is being used as means to rouse emotions,” Mr Steinmeier told reporters.

“I cannot exclude that this was the case in Iran also,” he added.

The Iranian government on Tuesday call for an end to attacks on European missions, saying they were not in the national interest.

Mr Steinmeier said he was not in favour of stopping humanitarian aid to Iran.

“The situation is grave enough. I do not want to contribute in any way to an escalation of the upheaval,” he said, adding that dialogue was the only way to stop the firestorm provoked by the cartoons.

“A dialogue between cultures is the right way, I would like us to return to it.” —AFP