Altikriti said British Muslims want "to make Britain the best of place, both socially within our shores or as an element of good abroad."

By Tamir Abu As-Su`ood, IOL Correspondent

TORONTO, June 3 (IslamOnline.net) - Anas Altikriti, a prominent Muslim community leader and former president of the Muslim Association of Britain, will champion a list of anti-war activists vying in the June European elections in Yorkshire and the Humber constituency.

"Respect is a unity coalition that has emerged from the anti-war movement, which shaped or re-shaped the face of the British politics and society as never before, in an unprecedented manner," Altikriti told IslamOnline.net over the phone.

Respect is a new party formed in January, by anti-war icon George Galloway after his expulsion from the Labour Party over his staunched opposition to the invasion-turned-occupation of Iraq, as alternative to the ruling party's "pro-war, pro-privatization policies."

Altikriti believes that Respect is "the only political party that carries the issues of Muslims in a package," alluding to the anti-terror legislations that have recently targeted members of the Muslim community and the rise of Islamophopia.

He underlined that, like all British Muslims, he seeks "to make Britain the best of place, both socially within our shores or as an element of good abroad."

Anti-war Platform

The party is seen by many as a real challenge to the mainstream parties and it represents all those who feel disenfranchised by their policies, in particular the Iraq war which brought millions to the streets in Britain and worldwide.

Altikriti, born in Baghdad in 1968, expects the Iraq war to dominate the upcoming European Parliamentary elections, adding that people have come to realize that the anti-war movement was right about the war.

"We said from the beginning that the issue of Iraq will not blow over as easily as many would have thought or wished….the war on Iraq would not be forgiven…and we said that the people will come to judge and vote on the basis of war."

The Muslim activist stressed that despite the best attempts of the government and the warmongers, the issue of Iraq continues to figure high on the political agenda and occupies the media.

"People hear the news, they see the images, they see the pictures, they read about things of their interests, plus we have thousands of British troops in Iraq, and people are chiefly concerned about their welfare. "

Good Chances

Altikriti said Respect shaped or re-shaped the face of the British politics and society as never before, in an unprecedented manner.

Altikriti and other Respect candidates believe they stand a good chance of winning in the elections, especially that he runs in densely Muslim populated region and is backed by anti-war campaigners.

"In Yorkshire and Humber I think I stand a very good chance….I need about 100, 000 votes to get in the European Parliament elections.  I live in a region which has almost 125 thousands Muslims. If I were to rely only on the Muslim vote, then I will be in a position where I could say I am in winnable position."

In a press release, the Muslim Association of Britain said it will fully support Altikriti and the Respect slate in Yorkshire and Humber in the European elections, and called on Muslims throughout the region to do the same.

Galloway had also expected Altikriti to do well in the elections.

"Respect will make a big impact in the European elections in Yorkshire and Humber. Our candidates’ list is extremely strong; including respected Muslim leader Anas Altikriti," he said on his website.

Altikriti believes that Galloway stands a big chance to win in London, citing his reputation and the fact that London has a large number of seats and the proportion of votes Galloway needs is very attainable.

Muslims To Benefit

Speaking about the benefits that Muslims will enjoy if Respect wins the elections, Altikriti said Muslims will have figures in the heart of Europe and will be able to build alliances.

"We will be able to bank on our own candidates, our own people in Europe."

"If we change the shape and the landscape of politics on the 10th of June, every single political party will come and beseech and approach the Muslims for their votes in the future."

He, therefore, called on the Muslim community in Britain to become involved in the political process.

"My hope is for Muslims to back me, but my utmost wish is for Muslims to get involved in politics."