Borrell says desecration of Quran is offensive provocation

In a short statement released on Wednesday morning, Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign policy chief expressed his unambiguous condemnation of the recent incidents in Sweden and Denmark that have seen a small group of protesters publicly burn the Quran, Islam's holy book, Report informs.

"Following the recent acts by individuals in Europe that have caused offense to many Muslims, the EU reiterates its strong and determined rejection of any form of incitement to religious hatred and intolerance. Respect for diversity is a core value of the European Union. This includes respect for other religious communities.

"The desecration of the Quran, or of any other book considered holy, is offensive, disrespectful and a clear provocation. Expressions of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance have no place in the European Union.

"We continue to stand up for freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, abroad and at home; but not everything that is legal is ethical.
Now is the time to stand together for mutual understanding and respect. "These acts committed by individual provocateurs only benefit those who want to divide us and our societies," the statement reads.