Barroso defends freedom of expression

As the row over the cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed continues, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, insisted yesterday that for the European Union freedom of speech is not negotiable.

Mr Barroso was addressing the European Parliament in a debate over the issue.

"Freedom of speech is part of Europe's values and traditions. Let me be clear. Freedom of speech is not negotiable. Like all freedoms, its preservation depends on its responsible use by individuals. Governments or other public authorities do not prescribe or authorise the opinions expressed by individuals.

"Conversely, the opinions expressed by individuals engage these individuals, and only them. They do not engage a country, a people, a religion. And we should not allow others to pretend they do. Freedom of speech is not only the basis of the possibility to publish an opinion but also to criticise it. Freedom of speech cuts both ways."

Mr Barroso also expressed concern about the offence the cartoons in question gave rise to in the Muslim world and said that the Commission shares the views expressed by Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen when he made it clear that his government respects Islam as one of the world's major religions and that it has no intention of insulting Muslims and does not support activities in that sense.

Mr Barroso said he wanted to condemn the violence that was sparked off by the publication of the cartoons including attacks on the Commission office in Gaza and against EU embassies in various Muslim countries.

He repeated a previous warning that a boycott against Denmark would mean a boycott of the EU.

Hans Gert Pottering, for the European People's Party, said European citizens needed to respect freedom of expression and its limits and respect the freedoms of others. Peaceful and constructive dialogue is essential and resorting to violence as a way to express opinions can never be accepted.

Speaking on behalf of the Socialist Group, former Danish Prime Ministers Paul Nyrup Rasmussen said the EU should not be seen to be a Union of intolerance. "I want to make clear that we can accept no compromise on religious expression or freedom of expression. But this does not exist in a vacuum. We should respect others and the freedom of religions."

The publication of the cartoons had been irresponsible and show ignorance of the Islamic religion, Mr Rasmussen said.