Karzai renews plea for calm as Koran burning protests spread

26/02/12 16:13 CET

world news

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The Afghan President has made a fresh appeal for calm as protests continue over the burning of the Koran at a NATO base in Bagram.

In a televised address, Hamid Karzai condemned the desecration of the Muslim holy book but he stressed that it is now time for peace as nearly 30 people have been killed and 200 injured.

Among the victims are two US army officers suspected to have been shot dead on Saturday at the Afghan Interior Ministry by one of its employees. It prompted NATO to recall its staff at Afghan ministries.

But the attacks have continued unabated for a sixth day. A group of seven US military trainers were hurt when a grenade was thrown at their northern base in Kunduz.

The Koran burnings have ignited anti-Western fury and the widespread anger shows no sign of diminishing.

More about: Afghanistan, Clashes and riots, Hamid Karzai, Protest, Religion

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