Regional Ethnic Councils : Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hawkes Bay, Hutt, Invercargill,
Manawatu, Nelson, Rotorua, Taranaki, Tauranga, Waikato, Wellington

MEDIA RELEASE
3rd October 2001
NZFEC condemns the attack on America

The New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Councils Inc (NZFEC) is calling on New Zealanders to help guard against any form of abuse or harassment of members of the Muslim community in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on America.

Federation President, Mr Weng-Kei Chen, in strongly condemning the catastrophic events that rocked the United States and the World, and calls upon all New Zealanders to be united, regardless of their background.

“This monstrous attack on America is threatening our own sense of security and peace. It is important to stress that using religion or culture as an excuse for any violent action is unacceptable and has to be condemned.”

Mr Chen emphasised that despite increasing cultural diversity in this country, as decent New Zealanders we all share common values such as respect for human life. New Zealand is a society based on fairness and the current situation offers an opportunity for learning and understanding rather than blaming innocent people. Those who commit crime against these principles deserved to be punished.

Mr Chen calls on the leadership in this country to promote peace and harmony for all through education to ensure that people from different cultural and religious backgrounds can continue to live harmoniously in this democratic nation.
Should you require any further information please phone:
(04) 564 5872 Diana Clark, Executive Officer NZFEC or
Mr Weng-Kei Chen, President NZFEC (03) 351 3327