06/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - In a meeting with the Pakistani minister for religious affairs, Ijaz-Ul-Haq, the European Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner referred to the crisis provoked by the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mahomet in the European press. In a press release, the Commissioner welcomed the initiative of the minister in coming with the delegation to Brussels to discuss the issue. The Commissioner affirmed that, “Together with our partners in the Muslim world, we need to look into possibilities of education on human rights. We will work with relevant actors in the Muslim world to foster tolerance as well as respect for religious beliefs and cultures”. Ferrero-Waldner also pointed out that while freedom of expression was a fundamental right, it had to be exercised responsibly and with respect, and that violence could never be justified “in any circumstances”.