RIYADH — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed in the strongest terms Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and denunciation of the official permission granted repeatedly by the Swedish authorities to extremist elements allowing them to burn copies of the Holy Qur'an. The ministry described the move as irresponsible behavior and a disgraceful act that hurt the feelings of Muslims around the world.

The ministry said it will summon the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Sweden in Riyadh to give him a protest note, which includes Saudi Arabia’s demand for the Swedish authorities to take immediate measures to halt such disgraceful acts that violate the sanctity of faith, international laws, and protocols, and also the Kingdom’s complete rejection of all acts that ignite hatred among peoples and religions. — SPA