KABUL -President Hamid Karzai, addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, said the world was shocked after some fanatic individuals insulted the belief of more than 1.5 billion Muslims by producing a blasphemous movie mocking the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

A statement issued from the Presidential Palace in Kabul quoted Karzai as telling the world leaders: "We strongly denounce such actions in form of movies, cartoons or other insulting acts which have no justification in freedom of speech."

Referring to problems facing the humanity, Karzai said it was a matter of deep concern that despite efforts, the world continued to witness violence, hate and injustice.

Afghans are yet to easily benefit from the achievements made over the past years and their just demand for peace and stability in their homeland remains unfulfilled, he said.

"The Afghans are giving and have rendered great sacrifices in the international war against terrorism than other nations," he said, insisting the roots of terrorism were not in Afghan villages and towns. He said Afghans should not be sacrificed for terrorism the roots of which existed somewhere else.

Karzai also appealed the UN to intensify efforts at dropping names of Afghan Taliban leaders from its blacklist in order to pave the ground for direct peace talks with them. (Pajhwok)