Fed: PM tells Muslim leaders war not an attack on Islam

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Fed: PM tells Muslim leaders war not an attack on Islam

By Krista Hughes

CANBERRA, April 12 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard tonight told Muslim leaders thewar on Iraq was not an attack on Islam and said the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime wasa victory for the Iraqis.

Mr Howard was guest of honour at the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils annualdinner in Sydney, an invitation which outraged some Muslim groups and led to calls fora boycott.

The body's president, Dr Ameer Ali, has condemned the military action against Iraqas illegal and immoral.

In his speech, Mr Howard said the war was not an an attack on Islam but on the terrorregime of the Iraqi president.

"It is outrageous depiction of the motives and values of the United States, Britainand Australia to suggest otherwise," he said.

"The collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime is a victory for the people of Iraq - theyare not a conquered people.

"There will be many transitional challenges but of this we can be absolutely certain- the people of Iraq will have happier, freer and more secure lives without Saddam Hussein."

Mr Howard said he mourned the civilian casualties of the war but hundreds of thousandsof civilians had suffered under the regime, and the atrocities would have continued ifthe coalition had not taken action.

Appealing to Islamic leaders to work with the government to promote unity, Mr Howardsaid they must send a strong message that racism and divisive behaviour would not be tolerated.

The Prime Minister also assured Muslim leaders that Australia was committed to a significantrole in the rebuilding of Iraq.

Australia will rush three planeloads of medical supplies to Iraq in a bid to ward offa looming crisis in overwhelmed Baghdad hospitals, many of which also lack clean waterand electricity.

Defence Force chief Peter Cosgrove said the first load would come from stores on boardHMAS Kanimbla, and two RAAF Hercules would leave Australia as early as tomorrow carryingmore bandages, medicines and surgical equipment.

"All Australians have been touched by the plight of the people of Iraq, particularlythe residents of Baghdad, over the last few days," General Cosgrove said.

He acknowledged it would be difficult to distribute the supplies amid anarchy and lootingin Baghdad, but said US troops already in the capital would provide backup.

"Whatever it takes, they will get there," General Cosgrove said.

Doctors aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres said any assistance was welcome.

"The lack of drugs is absolutely acute, especially for things like anaesthetic - theneed is huge, this is something, we just hope it is not just a token," MSF spokeswomanNicolette Jackson said.

Also today, the defence force reported Australian fighter planes - F/A-18 Hornets- had provided back-up for Australian special forces on the ground in Iraq for the firsttime since the Vietnam War.

AAP kmh/hu/br

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST NIGHTLEAD