Official source regrets Berlusconi's Weird statements
Regional-Italy, Politics, 9/29/2001

An official source expressed Egypt's regret over the Weird statements made by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in which he alleged that Islam is a religion that does not respect human rights, pluralism, tolerance and freedom of religion and that the Western civilization is superior to Islam.

"What is really strange is that the Italian Premier has expressed in his statements hope that the West would defeat Islam and its civilization," said the source.

"Berlusconi's statements are conflicting with what he himself and Italian President Carlo Azaglio Ciampi had mentioned during their recent meetings with President Hosni Mubarak last Tuesday," according to the official.

"These statements totally reveal incomplete knowledge of the tolerant teachings of Islam that call for peaceful coexistence amongst all peoples, irrespective of their creeds," added the source.

"Egypt is waiting for an urgent explanation from the Italian government for these weird statements and whether they represent the official viewpoint of a country supposed to be aware of the virtue of Islam and the values of the Muslim community," said the source.

Berlusconi's recent remarks drew a wave of repugnance and anger, not only amidst Muslim circles but also western circles as US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have voiced respect for the tolerance of Islam and for Muslims.

Previous Stories:
  AL calls on Italian prime ministry to apologize over saying the western civilization is superior to Islam   (9/28/2001)
  Moussa, Cassini hold talks   (9/8/2001)
  Italian President calls for a greater role in the ME peace process   (7/5/2001)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search