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Hizbullah chief Hassan Nasrallah
Photo: AFP
Nasrallah tells Bush to 'shut his mouth'
Hizbullah leader, responding to U.S. charges that Syria and Iran organized Muslim protests against Muhammad cartoons, says: 'We'll defend our prophet not just with our voices but with our blood. Muslims must continue to demonstrate until an apology is made'
Charm offensive? Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah, speaking in front of Shiite Muslims marking the holiday of Ashura, told U.S. President George Bush and Secretary of State Rice to 'Shut their mouths!'
U.S. calls for calm
Associated Press
Responding to clashes triggered by Muhammad cartoons, American president says U.S. rejects violence, adds press should exercise sensitivity. Jordan's King Abdullah, who met with Bush states he condemns caricatures
Nasrallah told Muslims around the world to continue to protest against the cartoons on Islam's prophet Muhammad until an apology for their publication is made, and until Europe passes laws forbidding any insults of Muhammad.
"The defense of the prophet must continue around the world. Condoleezza Rice and Bush and all of the other despots should shut their mouths. We the Islamic ummah (Muslim nation) cannot tolerate in silence or show flexibility when they insult the prophet and our holy values. We will keep (the faith) as emissaries of Allah, not just with our voice but also with our blood," said Nasrallah.
On Wednesday evening, during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Rice condemned the violent riots around the Muslim world, saying that Iran and Syria were going out of their way to inflame passions, using them for their aims, and that the world must confront them over the activities.
Iran totally denied the charges, with Iran's Vice President Isfandiar Rahim calling Rice's statements a "100 percent lie." Damascus has yet to respond to the comments.
