Australian Muslims 'must deal with cleric'

Sheik Taj Aldin Alhilali

CANBERRA - Islamic leaders must listen to the Australian community and deal with Sheik Taj Aldin Alhilali, says Prime Minister John Howard.

He said he did not have the power to sack the Muslim leader and could only call on those with power to resolve the issue.

"The responsibility to resolve this matter sensibly rests with the Islamic community.

"There is no point in people in my position calling for this and that, other than to call upon those who have the power to resolve this matter ... in a way that promotes the interests of harmony in our community and promotes the view that Islamic Australians are fully integrated into Australian society."

Alhilali caused widespread outrage by comparing women without head scarves to "uncovered meat".

A meeting of clerics and the Lebanese Muslim Association was planned for early today (NZT) in Sydney to decide the sheik's future.

- AAP