The Danish prime minister's New Year's speech was translated into Arabic, earning praise from Egypt's ambassador

Copenhagen Post:

During his New Year's address to the nation, Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen stressed the importance of protecting freedom of expression, but he also stressed the importance of demonstrating 'mutual respect and understanding' for others.

"Let me state it clearly: I condemn any statement that attempts to demonise groups of people on the basis of their religion or ethnic background," he said.

Strained relations between the Danish government and Muslims led to a decision by the government to translate the speech to Arabic for the first time ever this year.

Normally, the speech has only been translated into English, but overwhelming interest from Arab countries led the prime minister's office to translate the speech to Arabic as well, according to Michael Ulvemann, the head press officer in the prime minister's office.

Egypt's ambassador to Denmark, Mona Omar Attia, praised the decision to translate the speech.

"It's a positive step toward a dialogue, and I hope that my own and other Arabic governments will see it as a positive signal," Attia told daily newspaper Politiken.

Tensions have run high between Muslims and the government since daily newspaper Jyllands-Posten printed 12 cartoons of the prophet Mohammed last September. Muslim ambassadors led by Attia called upon the prime minister to meet with them so they could voice their protest. The prime minister refused, however, stating that he had no power to restrict the free press in Denmark.

Why so many European politicians feel a need to grovel to the backward nations of Islam amazes me.

Egyptian ambassador praises PM

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Growing Islamic Anger Over Mohammed Cartoons

Who will speak up for free speech?