RIYADH, 20 March 2008 — The Dutch ambassador to the Kingdom has distanced himself and his government from an anti-Qur’an film soon to be released by right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders.
Speaking at a press conference at the Dutch Embassy yesterday, Nicholaas Beets reiterated the bilateral ties that exist between the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, adding that the Dutch government fundamentally disagrees with Wilders and that he was advised to take the consequences of the film into consideration.
The disassociation follows the proposed-release of the 15-minute film entitled “Fitna” by Wilders, something that has prompted the Dutch government to advise its nationals abroad to be cautious. Wilders is screening the film in spite of appeals from his government not to.
Beets said that no threats had been made against the Dutch Embassy in Riyadh and that the level of security would remain the same.
He added that Muslims play an active part in the Netherlands, which is home to one million Muslims.
Jan Peter Balkenende, prime minister of the Netherlands, said in statement, “None of us know the contents of the film ... nevertheless it is clearly eliciting exceptionally strong reactions. We condemn all threats, including those that have been made against Wilders.”
He added, “It is our responsibility to make clear to everyone that the views and actions of this one elected representative are not those of the government.”
The proposed film has caused concern among Muslims around the globe spurring the Organization of the Islamic Conference to speak to the Dutch government about the issue earlier this month.
Wilders has given few details about the contents of the film, which no television broadcaster is prepared to air. Over the last year the Dutch parliamentarian has compared the Qur’an to “Mein Kampf,” urging Muslims to ditch it, and suggesting it be banned.
The Netherlands is also concerned for the welfare of Dutch troops in Afghanistan, who are part of a NATO coalition fighting the Taleban.
