Unprecedented security measures taken at Potsdam

On Wednesday, in the German city of Potsdam, amid unprecedented security measures, the author of the scandalous cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed; Danish artist Kurt Westergaard was awarded a prize. The prize he received was for "recognition of his steadfastness in upholding freedom of the press and the views of courage to adhere to these democratic values."

The award ceremony took place in the ongoing international congress on the theme "Press Freedom in Europe", which gathered about 80 chief editors of leading European media. Speaking at the congress was Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel who stressed the importance of freedom and tolerance. Kurt Westergaard has the right to make such drawings, and the States of Europe are the places where it is possible." said Merkel.

At the same time the Chancellor reminded all of the need to respect such values as human dignity and freedom of religion. Among the winners of the annual award include former Foreign Minister of Germany Hans-Dietrich Genscher and the Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt. ITAR-TASS