Dutch PM seeks French help over anti-Islam film
PARIS (Reuters) - Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende asked France Wednesday to show solidarity with his country if there is any fallout over an anti-Islamic film made by a Dutch right-wing politician.
Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders, who has called for the Koran to be banned, has made a film in which he presents his views about Islam's holy text and is in negotiations with TV stations over its broadcast.
Balkenende has warned that Dutch citizens and businesses risk attack because of the film and Wednesday asked French President Nicolas Sarkozy for backing.
"We have indicated that if necessary we will need diplomatic support," Balkenende told reporters after the meeting, without going into further detail of what this might entail.
"We know nothing for now about the content (of the film). We will have to wait and see," he said, adding: "Mr. Wilders's point of view does not reflect that of the Dutch government and we are totally opposed to his vision of Islam."
Wilders has accused Balkenende of worrying more about the reaction of the Islamic world instead of defending Dutch democratic values and rights. "Let me make one thing clear: the film will be broadcast," Wilders said last week.
Media reported he expected it to air in March or April.
...
PARIS (Reuters) - Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende asked France Wednesday to show solidarity with his country if there is any fallout over an anti-Islamic film made by a Dutch right-wing politician.
Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders, who has called for the Koran to be banned, has made a film in which he presents his views about Islam's holy text and is in negotiations with TV stations over its broadcast.
Balkenende has warned that Dutch citizens and businesses risk attack because of the film and Wednesday asked French President Nicolas Sarkozy for backing.
"We have indicated that if necessary we will need diplomatic support," Balkenende told reporters after the meeting, without going into further detail of what this might entail.
"We know nothing for now about the content (of the film). We will have to wait and see," he said, adding: "Mr. Wilders's point of view does not reflect that of the Dutch government and we are totally opposed to his vision of Islam."
Wilders has accused Balkenende of worrying more about the reaction of the Islamic world instead of defending Dutch democratic values and rights. "Let me make one thing clear: the film will be broadcast," Wilders said last week.
Media reported he expected it to air in March or April.
...
No comments:
Post a Comment