OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - “No to racism, yes to respect for everyone” says Cardinal George Pell Archbishop of Sydney as juvenile violence continues in the city

Sydney (Fides Service) - In Sydney, where riots and violence between groups of youths of Middle East and European origin continue the Catholic Archbishop, Cardinal George Pell has condemned racism and violence and called for respect for the basic rights of every person, regardless of race, culture or religion.
Riots exploded in the suburbs of Sydney after white life savers on famous surf beaches south east of the city were attacked by a group of men of Middle Eastern appearance. The beach area is home to mainly Australians of European origin, perhaps anxious to ‘defend their territory’ , and is a regular weekend venue for Muslim youths from western suburbs of Sydney who have had to cope with vilification, racism, abuse and fear of a racial backlash for a number of years.
In his media appeal Cardinal Pell said: “These riots are disgraceful: all Australians of goodwill must reject and isolate extremists on both sides and put an end to violence”. The Archbishop of Sydney asked representatives of the civil society, associations, district committees to take measures to prevent further disorder and preserve the spirit of imminent Christmas celebrations.
Cardinal Pell said every citizen has the right to be free to use beaches without fear of being involved in criminal attacks promising that the Catholic community would do everything possible to help restore calm and promote reconciliation. The Australian Arabic Council AAC agreed that tensions have been building. It said these events typify an ugly and fringe element of Australian society and trigger new fear. All Australians should reflect deeply on the situation the AAC said. (Agenzia Fides 13/12/2005 righe 27 parole 275)