US embassy cable - 05DHAKA2619

UNCLAS DHAKA 002619 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR I/FW, B/G, IIP/G/NEA-SA, B/VOA/N (BANGLA SERVICE) STATE 
FOR SA/PAB, SA/PPD (LSCENSNY, SSTRYKER), SA/RA, INR/R/MR, 
AND PASS TO USAID FOR ANE/ASIA/SA/B (WJOHNSON) 
 
CINCPAC FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR, J51 (MAJ TURNER), J45 
(MAJ NICHOLLS) 
 
USARPAC FOR APOP-IM (MAJ HEDRICK) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR, OIIP, OPRC, KPAO, PREL, ETRD, PTER, ASEC, BG, OCII 
SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Koran Desecration;Dhaka 
 
 
Summary: "Naya Diganta" editorial opines that by admitting 
the incidents of desecration, the Pentagon behaved in a 
somewhat responsible manner but urges the Muslims not to 
exceed the limit of tolerance and restraint in voicing their 
protest and anger against the desecration. 
 
Following are excerpts from the editorial: 
----------------- 
Koran Desecration 
----------------- 
 
"Desecration of the Quran and the Pentagon's Confession:  It 
Is The Responsibility of the United States To Gain 
Confidence of the World Community" 
Pro-Islamic Bangla language daily "Naya Diganta" editorially 
comments (6/7/05): 
 
The Pentagon has admitted the desecration of the Quran by 
American troops which were earlier reported by Newsweek 
magazine.  By admitting the incidents of desecration, the 
Pentagon behaved in a somewhat responsible manner.  But 
investigation and the admission of guilt are no solution to 
the desecration of the Quran.  The United States has no 
right to hurt the religious feelings of hundreds of millions 
of religious people nor has it the right to commit inhuman 
torture on prisoners.  The religious oppression is evidence 
of the Americans' hostility and intolerance toward Islam and 
Muslims.  Through its religious intolerance, the United 
States has displayed utter disregard for human rights and 
democratic niceties. 
 
The resolution of this crime cannot be limited to the mere 
admission of guilt and offering an apology.  The U.S. 
administration cannot avoid its responsibility by simply 
blaming some soldiers or punishing them. 
 
We are respectful of any religions or holy books and very 
conscious about that respect.  Communal harmony and respect 
and tolerance for others' opinion and religion are part of 
Islamic values.  The Muslims should not exceed the limit of 
tolerance and restraint in voicing their protest and anger 
against the desecration.  The United States must take 
actions which will console the world community.  The United 
States must find its own way to establish its credibility. 
 
Thomas