Parties cautious on Islam claims

Labour and National have responded cautiously to Winston Peters' charge about Islamic extremists in NZ.

Immigration Minister Paul Swain condemned Mr Peters - who called on New Zealand Muslim leaders to name any extremists known to them - but only when asked what the Government's response was.

Mr Swain was questioned at an immigration consultants' conference yesterday in Auckland as to whether his silence and that of Prime Minister Helen Clark signified support.

"Absolutely not," he replied.

Mr Swain said Mr Peters' charge was an outrageous attempt to link the tragic events of London with the Muslim community in New Zealand.

National Party leader Don Brash told the Weekend Herald: "There are certainly those in the Islamic community who have been warning for some time that they are fearful about the rise of fundamentalism in New Zealand.

"We must take this global issue seriously, but it is wrong to assume that all Muslims are terrorists, or potential terrorists. They are not."