Danish apology a hoax? (Latest on Danish "apology" printed in Saudi newspapers on Sunday)

Jyllands-Posten denies reports that it published cartoon apology in Arabic newspapers

Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten has denied reports that it was behind an ad published in Arabic-language newspapers to apologize for cartoons lampooning the Prophet Mohammad that have sparked deadly protests around the world.

Earlier, news agencies reported Saudi Arabian newspapers printed an apology on behalf of the Danish newspaper.

The full-page advertisements appeared in al-Sharq al-Awsat, which is printed around the Arab world, as well as the local al-Riyadh and al-Jazira.

They were dated February 5, but an advertising spokesman at al-Riyadh said it may have taken time for the papers, which are close to the government, to approve the announcement.

In recent days, 16 people have died in Nigeria and 11 in Libya during violent protests against cartoons published by the Danish paper last September and since republished in several, mainly European papers.

The global uproar over the cartoons came after Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador from Denmark last month in response to pressure from clerics and a popular campaign against Danish products in the kingdom, the site of Islam's holiest shrines.

Jyllands-Posten denies reports that it published cartoon apology in Arabic newspapers Ynet and Reuters

Earlier, news agencies reported Saudi Arabian newspapers printed an apology on behalf of the Danish newspaper.

"It is extremely important to point out that the aim behind these cartoons was not to attack the Prophet at all or devalue him, but as an opening to dialogue on freedom of expression," Sunday's apology said.

"We did not realize at the time how sensitive this issue was for Muslims in Denmark or millions of Muslims around the world."

The adverts included a previously published statement from the Danish embassy in Riyadh declaring respect for Islam.

Things happen quickly here. This is what I wrote about this topic in another thread:

Hi, this is my first post here.

I'm Danish. The apology is a fake!!
Jyllands Posten has not apologised nor has the PM for that matter. Jyllands Posten will not, the PM cannot.

Anyway the whole cartoon thing is starting to become yesterdays news in Denmark. People carry on with their normal lives. Most Danes have realised that this has ceased to be a matter about some obscure cartoons.
The imams who spread the cartoons and additional disinformation have been barred by all political parties in the parliament. It is more than hinted that when this settles down, an investigation about the role the imams had in this affair will be launched. Deportation and revoking citizenship (an extremely rare thing) have been suggested more than once.
According to a fresh poll the current govenment and their support party would win a comfortable victory if there was an election tomorrow. The support party (Dansk Folkeparti), which have advocated additional strengthening of the immigration laws are gaining a lot of support and are now close to be the second largest party in Denmark. So is their sister-party in Norway.

The consequenses of the boycott is limited. We hardly import anything from the islamic world, we are self-sufficient with oil. Our export to the islamic world amounts to between 3-5% of our total export or between 14-20 billion DKK. It is estimated that we will lose between 5000-12000 jobs. But as there is a shortage of qualified labour, that is not the biggest concern. In fact economers have even labelled the boycott as a blessing in disguise, in the sense that the Danish economy was close to overheating.

The socalled "silent majority" of muslims in Denmark have finally started to come out, most are busy distancing themselves from the radical muslims. - They know who will win the next election if they don't!

There is a considerable dissapointment about the somewhat lukewarm support Denmark have received from our allies and friends in Europe and elsewhere. The stance by the British and US governments in particular have been noted. Bill Clinton, who was very respected in Europe and Denmark, have issued statements that have been noted too.

Finally a word on freedom of speech in Denmark. Freedom of speech is absolute. You are free to say or write whatever you want. But you may end up in court if you do. Just like in practically all western countries.
The freedom to organise is also protected by the constitution. An organisation is only prohibited if it can be proved without any doubt that it is either criminal or subversive. That for instance mean that the Nazi party is legal in Denmark. And that (according to a survey published in the newspaper BT) may be the reason why Denmark have the lowest number of skinheads and racially related attacks in Europe. The more lunatics like the nazis speak out, the less support they get. The same goes with the radical muslims. They are shooting themselves in the foot with artillery!

Thank you for patience if you get this far.

You may quote this freely if you wish. Unfortunately I do not have time to partisipate much on this board.

- And thank you those who support Denmark. It really means something. And your country, whatever it is, could be exposed to a similar sort of blackmail too.

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