The Philippines condemns all acts aimed at undermining or inciting hatred towards a particular ethnic group, religion or creed. We are thus in solidarity with the Islamic world in denouncing the offensive contents of the film Fitna. The film's association of Islam with acts of violence is defamatory and serves to heighten misperceptions about a religion of peace.

In addition, the exercise of the right to freedom of expression should always be done with the attendant responsibility. Nobody should, in his or her exercise of this right, slander, libel or defame any particular religion or creed.

Nevertheless, we wish to advance our call for sobriety in light of the widespread adverse reactions to the film. Acts of violence in the context of this issue are unjustified. The Philippines, which is at the forefront of global interfaith dialogue initiatives, supports measures, which seek to mend the fissures created by the controversy over the film. END