The Swedish Ambassador in Damascus Catharina Mempel Kipp conveyed her country's apology for drawings printed recently in Swedish newspapers that depict the Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him) in an offensive manner. Kipp expressed her respect to Islam and Muslims in general and the Syrian people in particular.

A statement by the Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt affirms that Sweden is a country where people of different beliefs live together, and that the basis of Swedish society is respect, understanding and rejection of offensive action, violence and aggression.

Reinfeldt expressed his regret of the incident which has offended and upset Muslims, calling against instigating or offending other religion.

The statement was delivered by the Swedish Embassy to Syria's Grand Mufti Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, who stated that a third party is attempting to harm the relations between Sweden and Arab and Islamic countries.

Hassoun pointed out that the Swedish Prime Minister's stance and apology will have a good impact on Muslims and that it will contribute to ending instigation. He also called intellectuals, journalists and politicians to carry a message that serves humanity and civilizations and to avoid sowing discord between nations and peoples.