French President Jacques Chirac has condemned as "overt provocation" decisions to reprint cartoons satirising the Prophet Muhammad.
As another French publication printed the cartoons, Mr Chirac said any subject matter that could hurt other people's convictions should be avoided.
But Denmark's PM said it was not for the government to censor the media.
Meanwhile protests at the cartoon's publication continued, with four killed and up to 20 injured in Afghanistan.
The deaths - at a protest by about 400 people in the town of Qalat - bring to 12 the number of people killed in Afghan protests over the cartoons in recent days.
Afghanistan's top council of Muslim clerics has called for an end to several days of demonstrations.
US President George W Bush urged governments to prevent attacks on diplomatic missions.
"I call upon the governments around the world to stop the violence, to be respectful, to protect property, protect the lives of innocent diplomats who are serving their countries overseas," he said.
He also criticised anything that vilified Muhammad or attacked Muslim sensibilities.
The BBC's Jonathan Beale in Washington says the Bush administration has carefully avoided taking sides in the row over the cartoons, because of concerns that the issue could further fuel anti-American sentiment in the Arab world.
1 comment:
Huh. Almost every time Chirac opens his mouth it hurts my convictions. Maybe we should quit printing what he says too.
I am sorry that this has turned to violence, but it is still not the government's place to curb this kind of freedom of speech. It's hard for some here to understand what is going on. Here in the US freedom and life are supposed to be valued above almost all else. Maybe we've gotten used to shots being taken at our beliefs, and we don't pay it as much attention. Or maybe it's because our largest religious groups are supposed to practice forgiveness. I don't know.
I haven't looked at the cartoons, but from their description I would find them in poor taste. Show your anger peacefully by peaceful protest and removing all support for the publications responsible. I hope this resolves without further bloodshed.
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