Chiu
also called on Prime Minister John Howard to admit the existence of
racism in Australia.
“John
Howard, the leader of our country, has denied that racism played a
part in the week's violence,” he said. “He needs to admit that
racism played a big part in what happened.”
One
of the demonstrators said: “we need no anti-terror law, we need the
anti-racism law.”
Experts
have concluded that Howard's draconian anti-terror legislations are to
blame for the country's racial violence.
A
resident from Cronulla, where the violence has been centered, says
people do not want to put up with racism.
“I've
just come back from overseas and I'm fed up with a country full of
racism,” the resident said.
One
of the organizers, Matt Noffs, says it cannot be left to politicians
to provide solutions.
Noffs
says solutions have to come from the people.
“We're
actually seeing a miniature civil war, you know a turf war,” he
said.
“That's
actually coming from the people therefore the response has to come
from the community as well.”
Chadi
Sankary, a student of Lebanese background, has told those at the rally
that alcohol consumption is no excuse.
“People
are not willing to admit that this is about racism,” he said.
“You
can't be under the influence of alcohol and paint your massive banners
with racial slogans on them or you can't make t-shirts while you're
drunk so it can't be accepted as an excuse.”
Call
for Calm
About
40 Christian pastors and ministers, many from Sutherland Shire and
Sydney's eastern suburbs, further issued Sunday a call for calm in the
lead-up to Christmas, the Herald said.
In
a joint statement they said they believe the majority of Australians
deplore violence, particularly racial violence like that which has
rocked Sydney.
“We
are citizens of Sydney and committed to the peace and freedom that we
enjoy in our city," they wrote.
"As
leaders in a number of religious communities within the city, some
have looked to us for spiritual guidance in the wake of the racial and
cultural tensions that have erupted on our beaches.
“Christmas
is a time in our national calendar for giving and for peace.”
Overnight,
police said four cars, 14 mobile phones and weapons including swords
and iron bars were seized and several arrests were made as part of
Operation Seta, set up in response to the racial violence.
Up
to 1500 police officers hit the streets Saturday, December 17, and
about 31 roads were closed using tough new laws passed by state
parliament to crack down on troublemakers.
