I condemn, in the strongest terms, the airing of Geert Wilders' offensively anti-Islamic film. There is no justification for hate speech or incitement to violence. The right of free expression is not at stake here.
I acknowledge the efforts of the Government of the Netherlands to stop the broadcast of this film and appeal for calm to those understandably offended by it.
Freedom must always be accompanied by social responsibility. The United Nations is the centre of the world’s efforts to advance mutual respect, understanding and dialogue.
We must also recognize that the real fault line is not between Muslim and Western societies, as some would have us believe, but between small minorities of extremists, on different sides, with a vested interest in stirring hostility and conflict.
New York, 28 March 2008
