Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has reacted quickly in denouncing the weekend desecration of 25 Muslim graves west of Copenhagen.
Religious tensions are high in the country since international outrage turned violent in the last two weeks over a series of Danish newspaper cartoons satirized the Prophet Mohammed.
News of the graveyard vandalism in Esbjerg broke late Saturday night, and Rasmussen wasted little time in issuing a statement, The Washington Post reported Monday.
"I strongly condemn this disgraceful act, and I deeply regret the desecration of Muslim graves," Rasmussen said. "I have made it clear that the Danish government condemns any expression or any action which offends people's religious feelings."
Ahmed Akkari, a prominent Muslim leader in Denmark, said that Rasmussen's swift condemnation, with his promise that authorities would "bring the perpetrators to justice," was "maybe one of the positive signs" of increased awareness in the two communities.
© Copyright 2006 by United Press International
