Abu Dhabi, March 30 (IANS) United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has condemned launching of the Dutch film “Fitna” criticising the Koran and insulting Prophet Mohammed. In a statement released Saturday, the minister deplored the film director’s action of releasing it on the Internet, WAM news agency reported.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed on the universal need of religions tolerance and respect for others’ faith.

Such action on the pretext of freedom of expression would only create hatred, he said.

Sheikh Abdullah urged Islamic countries and Muslims to exercise self-restraint and to counter such instigations with wisdom.

The minister thanked UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for his strong criticism of the film.

The film made by controversial Dutch parliament member Geert Wilders, one of the Netherlands’ most outspoken Islam critics - was posted on the internet Thursday.