Saudi mufti asks film protesters to stop violence

Saudi Arabia's highest spiritual leader has called on the Muslims to denounce violence in protest of an anti-Islam video made in the US.

"If Muslims surrender to anger, they will achieve the objectives of those who are behind the production of this offensive movie," Grand Mufti Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh said in a statement Saturday.

"Muslims should not let their anger lead them to kill innocent people and attack public facilities," Xinhua quoted the spiritual leader as saying.

He emphasized that condemning the disputed movie should be in accordance with Quran.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton telephoned Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal Saturday to discuss the recent violence in the Middle East due to the movie.

Prince Saud stressed the kingdom's disapproval of such an insulting movie.

He condemned the acts of violence against the US and other foreign diplomatic missions, and stressed the principles for dialogue among different religions and cultures.

He urged not to abuse, offend or vilify religions, their representatives or symbols.