Muslim leaders meet for conference; on agenda - European integration

Imams, academics and Arab leaders convened at a central London hotel for the three-day event sponsored by the International Moderation Center, a Kuwait-based research institute which attempts to promote cross-cultural understanding of Islam.

Approximately 140 delegates discussed the role of Muslims in Europe and the need to promote a more positive image of Islam. Currently over 50 million Muslims live in Europe.

Ayman Aly, of the Graz, Austria-based Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe, said more needs to be done to improve tolerance of Muslim minorities across Europe, the AP reports.

One of the purposes of the conference was to lay the foundation for follow-up discussions with Western leaders, according to Ahmed Sheikh Mohamed, president of the London-based Muslim Association of Britain.