The issue of the cartoons, first printed by a Danish newspaper in September and later republished in Europe, the US and elsewhere, was being manipulated by fanatics at both sides, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan said during a press briefing.

“Public opinion in Muslim countries considered the printing of the caricatures as an attack on the sacred values of Islam, on the other hand the issue was taken from a freedom of press and expression perspective in European countries,” he said.

“Freedom of expression is one of the basic principles of democracy. But one should act responsibly while exercising that right. On the other hand Turkey can in no way approve acts of violence.” Tan also said that Turkey had taken steps to ensure the security of diplomatic missions of those countries targeted by protests.

Also in Ankara Wednesday, an estimated 500 demonstrators gathered near the Danish embassy to protest against the publishing of the cartoons. Though denied access to the mission, representatives of the demonstrators were allowed through a police security cordon to lay a black wreath at the gates of the embassy.