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PM reacts frostily to Dutch politician

By The Copenhagen Post

Published 19.03.08   00:00 

Controversial Dutch MP Geert Wilders' warm comments about the Danish prime minister were not reciprocated in kind

Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen's support of free speech during the Mohammed cartoon affair was praised by Dutch MP Geert Wilders during his visit to Denmark on Monday.

Wilders, who has produced and directed an Islam-critical film to be released soon, commended Rasmussen for standing up for freedom of the press during the crisis while calling The Netherlands' own prime minister, Jan Peter Balkenende, a 'coward'.

'I wish we had this kind of prime minister in Holland,' Wilders said. 'Unfortunately we have a coward who won't support the constitution's language on free speech and has instead taken the side of the Taliban.'

Wilders added that while not all Muslims were terrorists, they bring a culture and ideology to the West that goes against democracy.

When Rasmussen was asked of his response to Wilders' comments, the PM was clear in his rejection of the Dutchman's position on Islam.

'I reject wholeheartedly Geert Wilders' derogatory comments about Muslims,' Rasmussen said. 'I find these statements to be incredibly insulting. They are so crude that I wouldn't wish any social group in Denmark to be spoken about in such a manner.'

Rasmussen added that all religions, including Islam, were welcome in Denmark.

Søren Espersen, foreign affairs spokesperson for the Danish People's Party, said Wilders' comments were anything but offensive.

'It amazes me that the PM isn't happy that Geert Wilders, just like (Dutch writer) Ayaan Hirsi Ali, praises him for standing at the forefront of the freedom of expression debate in the Western world.'

Espersen did say, however, he was not in favour of Wilders' proposal to ban the Koran. (RC)

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