THATCHER CONDEMNS MUSLIM LEADERS' RESPONSE TO TERROR ATTACKS

Thatcher condemns Muslim leaders' response to terror attacks

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Baroness Thatcher has criticised Muslim leaders in Britain over their response to the terror attacks in America.

The Conservative former prime minister told The Times that Muslim leaders had not spoken out strongly enough about the September 11 atrocities.

Tony Blair and other British ministers have gone out of their way to reassure Muslims that any action would not be directed at Islam but at the terrorists responsible for the attacks in America.

"The people who brought down those towers were Muslims and Muslims must stand up and say that is not the way of Islam," Lady Thatcher told the paper.

"Passengers on those planes were told that they were going to die and there were children on board. They must say that is disgraceful.

"I have not heard enough condemnation from Muslim priests."

Conservative Central Office has refused to comment on Lady Thatcher's remarks.

Muslim leaders expressed their sadness at the comments and said they had immediately and unequivocally condemned the terrorist attacks.

Dr Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, leader of the Muslim Parliament, said: "I am very sad and surprised that she has said this sort of thing. Coming from a person like Baroness Thatcher it is very hurtful.

"People need to know that out of over 6,000 people who died in this terrible incident, over 1,500 of them were Muslims. The Muslim community has had to suffer twice - once when someone dear to them died, the second time when people say things like this."

Story filed: 23:31 Wednesday 3rd October 2001