Muslims urged to denounce terror

Lord Robertson spoke at the Royal Institute of International Affairs

Muslim communities must "shout out" against violent terrorists who "tarnish their religion", former Nato secretary general Lord Robertson has said.

Opening a conference at London's Chatham House, Lord Robertson said the war on terror was not about religion.

"Some fashionable commentators claim it is part of a clash of cultures, I say that is nonsense," he said.

The former UK defence secretary urged those who wanted a "decent world" to distance themselves from militants.

"One of the great difficulties at the present moment is that the terrorists think of themselves as part of a big umbrella movement and that they are fighting for a greater cause," Lord Robertson said.

What is happening day after day in Iraq with suicide bombers... needs to be denounced by everyone who wants to live in a decent world Lord Robertson

"There is an obligation on all of us where people are making these claims and Muslim communities must find it in themselves to shout out against those who tarnish their religion."

Lord Robertson drew parallels between the IRA in Britain and militants in Iraq, saying former dictator Saddam Hussein's victims were his own people.

"When we faced the terrorist threat from the provisional IRA it took the resolve and support of the whole community to say that they were not doing this in their name," he said.

British Muslims have repeatedly made clear that they condemn acts of terrorism absolutely Muslim Council of Britain secretary general Iqbal Sacranie

"What is happening day after day in Iraq with suicide bombers, who destroy themselves and others, needs to be denounced by everyone who wants to live in a decent world.

"There is too much silence from all of us about this."

But Muslim Council of Britain secretary general Iqbal Sacranie told BBC News: "British Muslims have repeatedly made clear they condemn acts of terrorism absolutely.

"Islam categorically forbids the taking of innocent lives."

'Terrible crimes'

It was "odd" Lord Robertson had made this "surprising and unfortunate" call to Muslims rather than to the countries continuing the "illegal war against Iraq... in defiance of world opinion", Mr Sacranie added.

"This war has killed thousands of civilians and given rise in Iraq to the terrible crimes Lord Robertson wants us all to condemn."

Chatham House is home to the Royal Institute of International Affairs.

Lord Robertson was opening a two-day international conference, Is Islam A Threat To The West, attended by academics, diplomats and legislators.

Other speakers include Ayatollah Sheikh Ahmad Al-Bahadeli, from Najaf, Lord Carey - the former Archbishop of Canterbury - and Mohammed Belmahi - Morocco's ambassador to the UK.