Oman condemns burning of Quran at UN

NEW YORK: The Sultanate of Oman condemned the tearing and burning of copies of the Holy Quran as a provocation, an insult to the feelings of Muslims and an incitement to violence against them. The Sultanate of Oman's statement was delivered by Ambassador Dr Mohammed bin Awad al Hassan, Oman's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, at the UN on Friday During the meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, the General Assembly passed a resolution rejecting hate speech and and denouncing all manifestations of insult to religions and beliefs, whatever their source. The Sultanate of Oman called on members of the international community to adhere to the values of tolerance, dialogue and peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect. The statement said that tearing and burning copies of the Holy Quran or insulting sacred beliefs does not fall within the exercise of freedom of opinion and expression, but is rather an improper and irresponsible act aimed at spreading hatred. It called on the international community to stand firm against such disgraceful actions, which are contrary to the principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations. Dr Al Hassan referred to international reports, including reports from the UN Secretary General, warning of the growing phenomenon around the world of hostility to Islam and Muslims and hatred of foreigners. He said this negative phenomenon must be combatted with effective laws that criminalise acts that affect the lives and sacred beliefs of many. Dr Al Hassan added that the world urgently needs to build bridges of understanding, cooperation and dialogue. The UN General Assembly's resolution comes in the wake of multiple burnings and desecrations of Holy Quran in European countries, including a recent high-profile Quran burning in front of a mosque in Sweden, allowed by the police, drawing international outrage. Muslim leaders and politicians have stressed that such desecrations and provocations are not covered by freedom of expression laws. The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution drafted by Morocco by consensus. It strongly deplored ''all acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, as well as any such acts directed against their religious symbols, holy books, homes, businesses, properties, schools, cultural centres or places of worship, as well as all attacks on and in religious places, sites and shrines in violation of international law.'' On July 12, the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council also condemned recent attacks on the Holy Quran despite Western countries’ votes against the resolution. The resolution called for condemnation of attacks targeting the Holy Quran and described them as ''acts of religious hatred.'' — ONA