PUBLICATION OF APOLOGY IN ARAB PRESS DELAYED SINCE FEBRUARY 5
The following apology for the original commissioning and publication of the ultra-controversial Mohammed cartoons appeared in Saudian Arabian newspapers yesterday, almost two weeks since the artwork for the advertisement was issued.
"Allow me in the name of Jyllands-Posten to apologize for what happened and declare my strong condemnation of any step that attacks specific religions, ethnic groups and peoples. I hope that with this I have removed the misunderstanding," wrote Carsten Juste, the editor of Jyllands-Posten.
In recent days, 16 people have died in Nigeria and 11 in Libya during violent protests against cartoons published by the Danish paper last September and since republished in several, mainly European papers.
"It is extremely important to point out that the aim behind these cartoons was not to attack the Prophet at all or devalue him, but as an opening to dialogue on freedom of expression. We did not realize at the time how sensitive this issue was for Muslims in Denmark or millions of Muslims around the world."
In the last few days alone, more than 26 people have died in rioting and violent protest against the Mohammed cartoons (or 'Motoons' as they are becoming known) in Nigeria and Libya, though some commentators point out many of the protestors are also marching against the US invasions and occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.
