Martin fears over innocent war victims

Date: 08/11/01

European Parliament presidential candidate David Martin has expressed reservations about the US-backed military strikes against the Taliban.

The Scottish Socialist said: "I strongly support anything that will bring the people responsible for the atrocity to justice. "I am concerned, however, that innocent people may be caught up in all this. In particular, I hope cluster bombs are not used as these could put the civilian population in Afghanistan at risk." Martin will contest the Parliamentary election with Irish deputy Pat Cox in January.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou has called for tolerance to be shown towards Muslim women in the wake of the current international crisis.

The social affairs chief said equal treatment for Muslim women is "non-negotiable". "European Muslim women are not just a face behind veil. They are a voice which must be heard," she said.

She made her comments after meeting a group of Muslim women and representatives of the European Network Against Racism to discuss discrimination against the Islamic community since the events of 11 September. "At present, such acts - at least incidents involving violence - have not been widespread. But we must remain vigilant," she said.

European Parliament presidential candidate David Martin has expressed reservations about the US-backed military strikes against the Taliban.