Dutch PM wins EU solidarity over anti-Koran film

Lawmakers fear a similar or worse reaction from parts of the Middle East or domestically to the violent protests that occurred in the wake of the publication of a series of cartoons depicting Muslim prophet Mohammed published in Danish newspaper the Jyllands-Posten in 2005.

"Even if we fundamentally disagree with the vision (of Wilders), that can never justify taking violent actions," said Mr Balkenende, according to the AP.

The Dutch prime minister said he sensed broad agreement from other EU heads of government that they would act together to prevent violence from taking place if, as expected, Mr Wilders manages to have his film shown at some point this month.

At a meeting of fellow Christian Democrat leaders ahead of the summit, Mr Balkenende underlined that while the Dutch government does not support what may be contained in the film, it does nonetheless support Mr Wilders' right to freedom of expression.

Danish liberal Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen strongly backed his colleague, saying the Netherlands can count on solidarity from other member states

A few large protests have already taken place, including a 15,000-strong one in Afghanistan, where demonstrators called for Dutch troops to leave the country and shouted "Death to the Netherlands" and another of 300 Afghan parliamentarians.

Mr Balkenende has reassured Afghan leader Hamid Karzai that the film does not reflect the views of the Dutch government.

The prime minister is hoping that in the event of any outbreak of violence, the EU can draw up a joint statement condemning such acts. However, Mr Balkenende does not yet want this drafted, as the content of the film remains unknown.

Meanwhile, Geert Wilders is having trouble finding a venue that is willing to show the film, Fitna. On Tuesday, he was forced to cancel the short's premiere when the press centre in the Hague where he was due to screen the film demanded €225,000 for security arrangements.

Thus far, all Dutch broadcasters have refused to show the film. Mr Wilders plans to release the film on his website in the coming days.

Last week, the European Commission sent out alerts to all of its diplomatic missions across the globe that the controversial anti-Koran film was soon to be made public.

In 2005, cartoon images in the Jyllands-Posten newspaper visually depicted the Prophet Mohammed, an act forbidden by the Hadith – Muslim oral traditions – but not by the Koran. Some images were plain illustrations of the prophet, but one cartoon in particular had the Prophet Mohammed wearing a bomb for a turban, while others showed Muslims as scimitar-wielding killers.

The subsequent protests against their publication resulted in dozens of deaths, and the setting fire to Danish Embassies in Syria, Lebanon and Iran.