The Organization of Islamic Countries has spoken out against death threats against anyone involved in the Prophet Muhammad cartoons controversy and says violent protests are hurting the image of Islam.

An excerpt from the BBC story:

On Monday the Iranian foreign minister urged calm.

"We should try to cool down the situation," Manouchehr Mottaki said. "We do not support any violence."

There have been offers of rewards in Pakistan and India in recent days for anyone killing the cartoonist.

'European values'

The OIC's Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu told journalists in Islamabad: "This is not a joke to go and say kill this and that. This is a very serious matter and nobody has the authority to issue a ruling to kill people."

He said that violent protests, such as burning of vehicles and buildings did not project the true spirit of Islam in the eyes of the West.

"Violence weakens us. Violence works against us. Anything except violence is helpful."

Mr Ihsanoglu also denounced the calls for boycott of Danish and European products across the Muslim world.

He said the OIC was seeking an assurance from the EU that such incidents would not be repeated in the future and called upon the West to ensure that the dignity of Islam was respected.