ON THE WILDERS FILM

STATEMENT BY DUTCH PRIME MINISTER BALKENENDE (www.government.nl)

'On behalf of the Dutch government, I would like to respond to the online film by Mr Wilders.

The film shows images of violent acts and holds Islam and the Koran responsible for them. The government condemns such acts and those who commit them.

The film equates Islam with violence. We reject this interpretation. The vast majority of Muslims reject extremism and violence. In fact, the victims are often also Muslims.

We therefore regret that Mr Wilders has released this film. We believe it serves no purpose other than to cause offence. But feeling offended must never be used as an excuse for aggression and threats. The government is heartened by the initial restrained reactions of Dutch Muslim organisations.

Muslims, Christians and people of other convictions can easily live together in peace. The problem is not religion, but misuse of religion to sow hatred and intolerance. That is why we are calling for respect for everyone's deepest convictions.

We are aware of the concerns and the sentiments about this film in the international Muslim community. We have recently spoken with many people at home and abroad to promote mutual understanding. We will continue to follow this course.

The Dutch government stands for a society in which freedom and respect go hand in hand. Such a society demands dedication and commitment. We oppose extremism. Anyone who breaks the law is dealt with firmly. Let us solve problems by working together. Let us reach out to others and build confidence and trust. Let us conquer prejudice. We shall surely succeed.'

REACTION BY DUTCH MUSLIMS

Dutch News Agency ANP reports that the 'National Comittee of Maroccans (LBM) has said to be 'very relieved' now that they have seen the movie by Geert Wilders. "The concerns that we and the Dutch society had for riots are considerably lower" said mr Brahim Bourzik. According to Bourzik this is also thanks to the efforts of the Dutch Government, "specifically the efforts made by Prime Minister Balkenende and Minister Vogelaar". Bourzik also said that Wilders apparently did think very well about his movie. "it is within the borders of the law". Like the LBM had promised before, the Maroccan Mosques will open their doors for all Dutch people on Friday. They will hold a press conference in the El Ouma Mosque in Amsterdam on Friday morning.

ANP also reports that Mustafa Biltunku of the Eyüp Sultan-mosque in Amsterdam, has not seen the movie. "Don't pay attention to it", the Turkish Iman said. "As long as we do, it will only become more important, while it is not worth it. That is wat I advise my people".

Imam Ali Kartal of the Mescid-i Aksa Mosque (Milli Görüs) in Utrecht said that he will not pay attention to the film in his sermon on Friday. "We should not be dancing in the garden of Wilders. The man is not worth it. Also when the mosque-attendants have questions, I will advise them not to react.". Kartal has only seen short parts of the film. "That he wanted to make an anti-Islam film, was clear to everyone".

Former 'head-Iman' of MMilli Görüs, M. Hulusi ünye, also was not very impresssed. "This kind of reaction we have seen since the revelation of the Qu'ran. The Qu'ran and the Islam are big enough to resist this".

ANP reports that Qu'uran expert Shayk Fawaz has called on Muslims for calm reactions. He did that in a speech in Arabac for hundreds of Muslims in Roermond. "We should not go and throw stones at windows after this film, because that is exactly what Mr Wilders wants" said Fawas at the debate with Christians that was organized by the Salafist youth organization Alfeth. Fawaz said that he has taken Qu'uran verses out of the right context.

REACTION BY DUTCH POLITICS

Government coalition parties:
CDA (Christian Democrats)
"De film is villainous and unnecessarily hurtful". The Christian Democrats had already called on Wilders not to produce the film.

PvdA (Social Democrats)
Marriette Hamer, vice-Partyleader said: "Wilders is seeding fear. The images are well-known, but the way he puts them together is deliberately meant to seed fear. Legally, it is within the law. I hope that the Dutch will be commonsensical enough to not be letting them drift apart". The PvdA is hoping to debate mr Wilders soon and appreciates the fact that Wilders has said he is willing to, "because so far he has refused".

CU (Christian Union)
"The impression is made that every Muslim uses violence, which fortunately is not the case. Most Muslims reject the mis-use of Islam and appreciate the fact that such abuse is not permitted in The Netherlands"

Opposition Parties:
SP (Socialist Party)
The Socialist Party said that they had seen "nothing new" in the Film Fitna. 'Most of the images and newspaper clippings are nothing new. Wilders only recognizes one kind of Islam: the Islam of the fundamentalists. In that respect, he is one and the same with the people he says he wants to fight with".

VVD (Conservative Liberals)
Partyleader Mark Rutte said the film was a 'missed chance'. "he had the opportunity to present solutions to a public of millions for problems of radical Islam and integration. Instead, he chose to show old images of terrorists and criminal acts. Parliamentarians should not be digging in archives, but work towards solving problems. That is what we are being paid for".

D66 (Liberal Democrats)
,,Wilders tries to explain a world religion in 16 minutes and connects in an inimitable way fascism, communism and Islam", says Alexander Pechtold, Leader of D66. He appreciates that Wilders is willing to engage in a debate with Muslims, but he would like to engage him in a parliamentary debate. "I have been asking for such a debate for the last year, but he keeps on evading it."