WASHINGTON, May 13: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has assured Muslims around the world that the Bush administration will take ‘appropriate action’ if allegations of desecration of the Holy Quran by US interrogators at Guantanamo Bay are proven. Addressing the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, Ms Rice sought an end to violent protests stirred by these allegations, noting that “sadly, some people have lost their lives in (these) demonstrations.”

Before making her statement, Ms Rice told the committee’s chairman that she wanted to “speak directly to Muslims in America and throughout the world” on an issue that has disturbed the entire Muslim community. “I am asking all our friends around the world to reject incitement to violence by those who would mischaracterize our intentions,” she said.

Ms Rice said “disrespect for the Holy Quran is not now, nor has it ever been, nor will it ever be, tolerated by the United States.”

“We honour the sacred books of all the world’s great religions. Disrespect for the Holy Quran is abhorrent to us all,” she added. Assuring the Muslims that the Bush administration will not ignore the reported incident, she said: “Our military authorities are investigating these allegations fully. If they are proven true, we will take appropriate action.”

She said that during the past few days, America’s Muslim allies had contacted Washington to express their concerns on this matter. “We understand and we share their concerns,” she added.

Editorial

Ominous demands
Updated 18 May, 2024

Ominous demands

The federal government needs to boost its revenues to reduce future borrowing and pay back its existing debt.
Property leaks
18 May, 2024

Property leaks

THE leaked Dubai property data reported on by media organisations around the world earlier this week seems to have...
Heat warnings
18 May, 2024

Heat warnings

STARTING next week, the country must brace for brutal heatwaves. The NDMA warns of severe conditions with...
Dangerous law
Updated 17 May, 2024

Dangerous law

It must remember that the same law can be weaponised against it one day, just as Peca was when the PTI took power.
Uncalled for pressure
17 May, 2024

Uncalled for pressure

THE recent press conferences by Senators Faisal Vawda and Talal Chaudhry, where they demanded evidence from judges...
KP tussle
17 May, 2024

KP tussle

THE growing war of words between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is affecting...