Koran-burning ‘evil-intentioned’

A journalist watches a video message on the website of the Dove World Outreach Center featuring its pastor Terry Jones that has yesterday vowed again to torch Korans to mark the 9th anniversary of the deadly September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States

The UN and an umbrella body representing aid groups in Afghanistan warned yesterday that civilians and aid workers in the country could be killed if a US church goes ahead with a plan to burn the Koran.
The Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief [Akbar], a group co-ordinating the work of non-government organisations in Afghanistan, called on the “organisers of this irresponsible initiative” to drop the demonstration.
The Dove World Outreach Centre, in Gainesville, Florida, plans to mark Saturday’s ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks by burning copies of Islam’s holy book, in what it says will be a warning to radical Muslims.
“In the context of Afghanistan, where the situation remains precarious, such an initiative could cost the lives of innocent civilians and dedicated humanitarian workers,” Akbar said in a statement.
“Akbar, as the main NGO network of Afghanistan, condemns any manifestation of disrespect for Islam,” it said.
Akbar, which coordinates the work of more than 100 Afghan and international aid organisations called the plan an “evil-intentioned action”.
“It reminds the people of Afghanistan to show restraint and consider this a step towards derailing any attempt at building peace and stability that they, the very people of Afghanistan want for themselves and their nation,” it said.
The UN top envoy for the war-wracked country, Staffan de Mistura, joined world leaders and international organisations in condemning the planned demonstration, saying it would harm his staff if the Koran is torched.
“If such an abhorrent act were to be implemented, it would only contribute to fuelling the arguments of those who are indeed against peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan,” he said.
“It could also put in jeopardy the efforts of so many Afghans and foreigners who are trying to assist Afghanistan to find its own way to peace and stability within the framework of its own culture, traditions and indeed religion.”
The Vatican also called the planned mass burning of copies of the Koran in Florida “an outrageous and grave gesture”.
The Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue said in a statement it had “received with great concern the news of the proposed ‘Koran Burning Day,’” scheduled for the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
“Each religion, with its respective sacred books, places of worship and symbols, has the right to respect and protection,” the council said.

Read more on this issue: Koran-burning pastor defiant