'N.Z. Muslims angry about statement’

Press, 13 August 1979, Page 14

' N.Z. Muslims angry about statement’

PA Wellington The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand says there is “mounting anger” within this country’s Muslim community over a statement made on August 1 concerning the New Zealand delegation leaving for Iran. “It was stated that the New Zealand freezing industry was sure they could find enough Muslim slaughtermen to slaughter lambs according to Islamic law. However, the federation was not consulted at all by the meat industry,” said its president (Mr M. S. Krasniqi) in a statement. “Concern is mounting in New Zealand by Muslims, and also from Islamic bodies in Islamic countries, who are aware that meat exports to these countries are not slaughtered (halal) according to Islamic law.

Before a complete banning of imports of New Zealand meats in these countries the New Zealand Islamic Federation advises that the meat industry should organise itself as soon as possible before the coming slaughtering season to slaughter (halal) according to Islamic law. “This same advice has been given for the last five years (by myself, as an exporter to the Middle East) as I foresaw that if New Zealand was to expand its meat exports to the Middle East Islamic slaughtering was a must,” said Mr Krasniqi. “Unfortunately, this advice was ignored and trade was jeopardised. However, it is not too late to introduce Islamic slaughtering before the coming season to avoid a major incident or a complete ban of New Zealand meats to Islamic countries. The Islamic

federation will give its full support to implement halal slaughtering and will assist with Muslim slaughtermen, from among the Muslim community in New Zealand and if necessary from Fiji or other Islamic countries.” Organisation and certification could not be done by individuals alone: it must be done through a body recognised by the World Muslim League, World Muslim Congress and all Islamic countries, such as the New Zealand Islamic Federation. ‘Therefore, jt is mystifying that the meat industry can state that they are sure they can find enough Muslim slaughtermen if they have not contacted the New Zealand Islamic Federation concerning this urgent matter which can no longer be ignored for the interests of New Zealand,” said Mr Krasniqi.