Senator Kerry made these remarks to the media after an hour-long meeting with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Ambassador Sherry Rehman at Capitol Hill. Senator Lugar, Senator Bob Casey, and other members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee also attended the meeting.
“All of us in the US, all of us condemn this senseless intolerance exhibited by the video which very few Americans saw and have seen. We feel it is without any legitimacy, any potential redeeming quality. It is an insult to everybody,” said Senator Kerry. He added that no religion deserves disrespect, and the US was founded on the principles of tolerance, that everyone needs to work towards.
Sentor Kerry also pointed that as bad the video was, there was no room for violent reactions to the film. “There is no room for taking of lives as a consequence of that. Certainly room to protest and to make voices heard but not at expense of human lives.”
In response to a question, Senator Kerry said he had raised the matter of Dr Shakil Afridi and the US’ concerns on the matter in the meeting. He added that he had been told that a report on Osama Bin Laden’s presence in Abbotabad was to be released soon.
But, he added that walking away from Pakistan was not an option either, and added that they renew their mutual desire to work together.
In her remarks, Foreign Minister Khar thanked Senator Kerry for his statements on intolerance. “Islam is a religion of peace, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a messenger of peace,” said the minister.
On the subject of US-Pakistan relations, Khar said that as they moved into the future, the next few months would be crucial. She said that a peaceful, stable Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s core interests.
She also appreciated the US assistance to Pakistan and the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill.
COMMENTS (8)
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For the first time in history of Mass Media the flow of information is moving from down to up? the socalled hegemony of Western Media is challenged by their own viewers. It is time for the Non Western Media to tell them media ethics and tell them the difference between the freedom of speech and freedom of insult. If these are the Western values then how pathetic are these values that know no respect and regard for 'Others' as they call us. The 'The US versus THEM' Western mentality is exposed. on one had they condemn the act on the other they protect the culprit in the name of so called Freedom of Speech
The problem is not the film as much as the fact that there is a double standard of things sensitive to Muslims - if there is something that hurts the feelings of Jews, why does freedom of expression never apply there. Freedom of expression only applies to disrespecting Muslim faith and beliefs.
Mere lip service - heart of heart he must be saying "what savages".
@us
Rubbish - the President, Vice President, Secretary of State etc all denounced this film as soon as it hit the headlines.
Had you condemned the first event in time, you could have avoided these violent protests you are referring to. Mr kerry, too little too late, I have to say