Egypt Calls For Understanding, Tolerance As Dutch MP Calls For Qur'an To Be Banned In Upcoming Film

February 24, 2008 8:08 a.m. EST

Cairo, Egypt (AHN) - A Dutch member of Parliament will be releasing a film that calls for Islam's Holy Book, the Qur'an, to be banned from Europe. Far-right deputy Geert Wilders announced that he plans to show a film called "Fitna" (Ordeal) in March in which he accuses the Qur'an of inciting murder.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement that condemns the actions of Wilders. They call for better efforts for tolerance in Europe in the face of the ongoing Danish cartoons dispute.

"It is regrettable that European lawmakers and politicians use gratuitous methods to gain electoral votes by attacking the sacred values and religions of others," ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki said.

Zaki added in reference to Wilders, that politicians like him "focus their hatred on Islam" and are planning to show films undermining Islamic symbols and notions. He said that these actions "feed hatred against Muslims and encourage extremism and confrontation instead of opting for dialogue based on mutual respect."

The Dutch politician said in November that the film will reveal his view of the Qur'an as "a horrible and fascist book" that inspires people to commit "awful acts."

"I hope that it will open people's eyes to the fact that the Qur'an should be banned like 'Mein Kampf," he told the Dutch news agency ANP.