On Danish cartoon controversy, Annan says free press must fully respect all religions

Reacting with concern to the controversy surrounding cartoons first published in a Danish newspaper, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today emphasized that a free press must respect all religions.

A spokesman for Mr. Annan issued a statement in New York emphasizing “the importance of overcoming misunderstandings and animosities between people of different beliefs and cultural traditions through peaceful dialogue and mutual respect.”

The Secretary-General “believes that the freedom of the press should always be exercised in a way that fully respects the religious beliefs and tenets of all religions,” his spokesman said.