Australian PM Hosts Anti-Terrorism Summit with Muslims

August 7, 2005

Source: The Age

http://www.theage.com.au/news/war-on-terror/howard-to-host-muslim-antiterrorism-summit/2005/08/06/1123125944756.html

On August 7, 2005 The Age reported, "Prime Minister John Howard is to host an anti-terrorism summit with Muslim leaders to find ways to confront religious figures and others who preach fear and violence. Mr Howard is expected to write this week to the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and senior Muslim figures proposing the meeting. The forum will include other Government ministers but a date, venue and invitation list have not been finalised. The agenda is expected to cover issues such as inflammatory religious books and websites and comments by radical clerics that are seen as condoning or encouraging terrorism. It may also look at restricting visas for radical overseas clerics and improving the training of imams. The Government is still examining the idea of introducing laws against indirect incitement of violence and terrorism. Mr Howard is expected to use the summit to discuss this option and the implications for free speech. He will ask Muslim leaders to suggest ways of confronting and isolating clerics and others who foster terrorism, while making sure the Muslim community is protected against vilification."