Euromed MPs set to disagree on freedom of expression

Members of the Euromed Parliamentary Assembly are expected to disagree on a resolution to be adopted at the assembly's plenary session later this month on ways to overcome the conflict over cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed.

The first indication of such a clash emerged during a preparatory meeting of the assembly's Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights in Brussels on Tuesday. There was a striking difference of opinions on freedom of expression during the meeting.

Labour MP George Vella, a member of the committee, agreed that freedom of expression has its limits, but said that these can only be imposed by prudence and respect for each other and not by legal means. This opinion wasshared by his EU colleagues stating that solid dialogue and mutual respect should be the only way forward and thus there should be no laws controlling freedom of expression rights.

However, some of the other Mediterranean partners, most notably from North African countries, disagreed and argued that Europe must introduce legislation to curb abuse of freedom of expression.

MPs from Jordan, Turkey, Tunisia, Syria, Egypt and the Palestinian Legislative Council stressed that Muslims all over the world had been deeply hurt by the cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed published in a Danish newspaper. They called on the EU to draw up laws that will act as protection against incidents provoked by abuse of freedom of expression.