Australia: Moslem Festivities in Sydney

Tens of thousands of Moslems and Arabs filled streets near Sydney's Lakemba Mosque to celebrate the traditional Eid-Al-Adha festival. Sermons and speeches delivered by the local imam and prominent Arab leaders mixed religion with politics, condemning US and Australian involvement in the conflict with Iraq. TV channels presented this evening interviews with Moslems accusing Australia of 'aggression' Australia - a country with 18 million residents - is a close ally of the United States. Over 1 million Moslem Arabs call Australia home, but retain close links with their respective countries of origin.

Henry L. Marconi Pravda.Ru Sydney