NATO Chief, Rasmussen: Stpe Religious prejudice

But what kind of religious prejudice was Rasmussen referring to? The prejudice that islam displays to every other religion in the world or the supposed "islamophobia"? AP

ISTANBUL (AP) — The incoming head of NATO called for a balance between free speech and respect for religious feelings after a dispute over his support for the right to caricature the Prophet Muhammed had threatened his appointment.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who overcame objections from Turkey about his suitability for the alliance top job, said he will pay close attention to religious sensibilities when he becomes NATO secretary-general in August. His stance over the caricatures had angered Muslims around the world.

"I would never myself depict any religious figure, including the Prophet Muhammad, in a way that could hurt other people's feelings," said Fogh Rasmussen at a conference in Istanbul, Turkey.

"I respect Islam as one of the world's major religions," said Fogh Rasmussen, wearing a sling after dislocating his shoulder in an accident earlier Monday.