The European Union sought again on Monday to calm the row over blasphemous cartoons, reiterating the need for free speech to be tempered by religious respect in talks with Minister for Religious Affairs Ijazul Haq.
But EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, speaking after talks with the visiting minister, also repeated criticism of violent protests including in Pakistan.
"I would like to stress that freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but it comes with responsibilities and should be exercised with respect for all religious beliefs and cultures," she said.
But she added: "Violent acts cannot be justified under any circumstances."
The cartoons row has sparked Muslim protests world-wide, and has threatened to cloud relations between the 25-nation EU and majority Islamic countries like Pakistan.
Ferrero-Waldner welcomed Ijazul Haq's visit, accompanied by a delegation of lawmakers, as a chance to bridge the communications gap between the two sides in the dispute. "Pakistan is an important partner of the EU and the Union is keen to advance its relations with Pakistan," she said, adding: "The EU and its member states will actively promote dialogue, mutual understanding and respect."
"Together with our partners in the Muslim world we need to look into possibilities of education on human rights. We will work...to foster tolerance as well as respect for religious beliefs and cultures," Ferrero-Waldner said.
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