A Northern Ireland Muslim leader has apologised for saying an Iraqi city seized by Islamic State (IS) is “the most peaceful city in the world”.
IS, a radical Islamist group whose tactics include mass killings and abductions of minorities, overran the northern city of Mosul last June.
Dr Raied Al-Wazzan said he was withdrawing his remarks.
“I used the wrong words and I apologise for that,” he said.
Dr Al-Wazzan had made his comments on BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme on Friday.
However, he said on Monday’s programme that he realised his comment had “offended many people”, adding: “I condemn all kinds of violence.”
Asked if he was giving an unconditional apology and was fully retracting his remarks, he said: “Definitely. If people are offended, I apologise to everyone - not only local people but even outside Northern Ireland. Yes I do regret my remarks.”
A Northern Ireland Muslim leader has apologised for saying an Iraqi city seized by Islamic State (IS) is “the most peaceful city in the world”.
IS, a radical Islamist group whose tactics include mass killings and abductions of minorities, overran the northern city of Mosul last June.
Dr Raied Al-Wazzan said he was withdrawing his remarks.
“I used the wrong words and I apologise for that,” he said.
Dr Al-Wazzan had made his comments on BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme on Friday.
However, he said on Monday’s programme that he realised his comment had “offended many people”, adding: “I condemn all kinds of violence.”
Asked if he was giving an unconditional apology and was fully retracting his remarks, he said: “Definitely. If people are offended, I apologise to everyone - not only local people but even outside Northern Ireland. Yes I do regret my remarks.”