Presidential Palace, Kabul - The Office of the Spokesperson to the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses displeasure at hearing the acknowledgement by the Newsweek Magazine of factual error in their reporting of the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran by US soldiers in the Guantanamo Bay prison.

The publication of the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran in the May 9th, 2005 edition of Newsweek resulted in strong public reaction in Afghanistan which provided an opportunity to the enemies of Afghanistan to orchestrate violence and destruction of public property in several Afghan provinces.

Jawed Ludin, the Spokesman said:

“Newsweek’s statement today is welcome because it clarifies an issue of significant importance and sensitivity for Muslims across the world. However, we express in the strongest terms our disapproval of Newsweek’s approach to reporting which allowed them to run the story without proper examination beforehand. We would like to emphasize the need for a professional and sensitive approach to journalism particularly with regards to reporting on potentially sensitive issues."