Netherlands' PM sends letter to NU on Fitna film

Antara ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 03/26/2008 11:08 PM

The Netherlands' Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has sent a letter to the Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Hasyim Muzadi, saying the upcoming controversial Fitna film produced by Dutch politician Geert Wilder did not reflect his government stand on Islam.

The letter was delivered by the First Secretary of Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia Alexander Kofmanke to the NU office on Wednesday.

In the letter, Balkenende said he understood the disappointment of the NU and other religious organizations in Indonesia over Fitna, which has been touted as a misleading critique of Islam and the Koran and may spark a new religious tension.

He said his government could not ban a film which has not been aired yet. However, once the film is available to the public, state prosecutors could investigate whether or not it incites crime.

Balkenende agreed that violence should be avoided should Fitna be released on the Internet. (***)
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2008 PON XVII Medal Standings

Last updated: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 4:51 PM

No.ProvinceGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1. East Java 18 12 8 38
2. East Kalimantan 13 13 12 38
3. West Java 11 13 14 38
4. DKI Jakarta 11 11 13 35
5. North Sumatra 6 3 1 10
6. Central Java 4 10 8 22
7. Lampung 4 4 1 9
8. DI Yogyakarta 4 2 2 8
9. South Sulawesi 3 1 0 4
10. South Sumatra 2 2 3 7
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