UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Leaders of the United Nations, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the European Union (EU) on Tuesday issued a joint appeal, calling for renewed dialogue between different civilizations to solve the cartoon crisis.

    In a joint statement released by the UN spokesman office, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana denounced the publication of cartoons defaming the Prophet Mohammad by some European newspapers.

    "The anguish in the Muslim World at the publication of these offensive caricatures is shared by all individuals and communities who recognize the sensitivity of deeply held religious belief," the statement said.

    "In all societies there is a need to show sensitivity and responsibility in treating issues of special significance for the adherents of any particular faith, even by those who do not share the belief in question," it observed.

    The leaders reiterated that freedom of the press entails responsibility and discretion, and should respect the beliefs and tenets of all religions.

    Meanwhile, the statement pointed out that the recent violent acts surpass the limits of peaceful protest.

    "In particular, we strongly condemn the deplorable attacks on diplomatic missions that have occurred in Damascus, Beirut and elsewhere," the statement said, adding that "aggression against life and property can only damage the image of a peaceful Islam."

    The leaders thus called on the authorities of all countries to protect all diplomatic premises and foreign citizens against unlawful attack.

    "These events make the need for renewed dialogue, among and between communities of different faiths and authorities of different countries, all the more urgent," the statement concluded. "We call on them to appeal for restraint and calm, in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect."

    The 12 caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad initially published in a Danish daily last September and reprinted recently in several other European countries sparked widespread protests in the Islamic world, as any depiction of the Prophet is considered blasphemous by Muslims. Enditem