Azernews.Az

BAKU – Azerbaijan’s senior clerical body has strongly condemned the burning of the Koran in the United States on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO) said in a statement that the media reports about insulting the "Qurani-Karim" and turning the Muslim holy book "into a pile of ashes" have sparked utmost concern and ire.

Reuters reported that two priests from the US state of Tennessee arranged the Koran burning last Saturday. During a protest outside the White House staged by a small group of Islam phobic people, including the leader of the hardline Tea Party, the Koran was torn.

The CMO’s statement termed as aggravating such disrespect being shown for the Koran in a country that consistently advocates for democratic values around the world.

"Taking filthy actions that are a far cry from humanism under the guise of democracy is a stain upon the premise of democracy and is nothing but abuse of democracy. Such an incident is unbecoming any country or society."

The Azerbaijani clerical body called upon US leaders and citizens and the entire world community to take a firm stance against this immoral act and join effort in preventing the saboteurs from reaching their sinister aims.

The Koran burning "initiative" had been initially put forth by Florida pastor Terry Jones before the 9/11 anniversary. However, Jones dropped his plans after he came under strong pressure and public condemnation.