A letter from an anonymous ex-Royal Marine (Citizen 10/04/04) says if terrorists are Muslims then call them "Muslim terrorists". A letter from K.E.Watts says almost the same (13/04/04) and also calls for Muslims to "stand up" and condemn terrorism. In fact Muslims have repeatedly condemned terrorism, and locally been quoted in the Citizen many times. It is only a small minority of so-called Muslims who call for violence, just as there are so-called Christians who also call for violence. Worryingly there are indications that many people are starting to see Islam as being linked with terrorism. Race relations in this country are suffering. Labels like "Muslim terrorists" are misleading and don't help. Surely the recent Israeli government actions could also be described as terrorism? They also possess nuclear weapons in breach of international law and have brutally occupied Palestinian lands. And yet the US chose to invade Iraq - a country that had no connection with terrorism, Indeed many view the actions of the US and its allies in going to war to secure oil/economic interests as state terrorism. The invasion has certainly made the world a more dangerous place. We cannot have genuine peace without justice. We need to win over the vast majority as allies against terrorism. The stakes could not be higher.

Carol Kambites Green Party candidate for the European Parliament