U.S. State Department Condemns Quran Burning in Sweden

On Thursday, the United States condemned the burning of a Quran in front of a mosque in Sweden that took place on Wednesday. They noted that the decision to permit the demonstration was a support of freedom of expression, not an endorsement of the act itself. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller stated, "We believe that the demonstration created an environment of fear that will affect the ability of Muslims and individuals of other religious minorities to freely exercise their right to freedom of religion or belief in Sweden." He added, "I say we condemn it." In another aspect, Miller reaffirmed Washington's position regarding Sweden's readiness to join the alliance, saying, "It is time to move toward Sweden's full membership in the alliance."