Rhodri Morgan: "Nothing should be allowed to divide us here in Wales."

Addressing a Muslim conference in Cardiff - organised to examine the fight against terrorism - Mr Morgan said it was vital to maintain community relations at a time when they "seemed so fragile".

He said a surge in Islamophobic incidents following the 9/11 attacks would not be tolerated.

Speaking on Monday he outlined measures he said had already taken by the Welsh Assembly Government to combat racial intolerance.

The First Minister said terrorism was "never far from the attention of the public and media."

"It is not a new phenomenon, nor is it particular to one group of people or nation," he said.

"But the events of 9/11 and the rapidly changing world in which we are living bring the threat of terrorism into sharper focus.

"While we need to ensure that we have in place civil contingency measures to protect and safeguard the public and national infrastructure, we must also work hard to maintain and build positive community relations."

The Welsh Assembly Government recognises our duty to work towards making Wales an inclusive and tolerant society Rhodri Morgan

The event was arranged by the All Wales Saheli Association and the Welsh Islamic Network and was held at Cardiff Castle in the city centre.

Mr Morgan told the 100 delegates that since the September 11 attacks, there had been a dramatic increase in Islamophobic incidents directed at the Muslim community.

"I want to make it clear that this is just not going to be tolerated," he told the conference.

"And the Welsh Assembly Government recognises our duty to work towards making Wales an inclusive and tolerant society respecting all.

"The Muslim community of Wales is one of the oldest established in the UK - more than five generations in the Cardiff area.

"The oldest Mosque to be established in the UK was in Cardiff in 1860.

"Nothing should be allowed to divide us here in Wales," he added.

The First Minister outlined measures already taken by the assembly to combat racial intolerance.

These included a new assembly race equality scheme which is currently under consultation.

A leading American Islamic cleric also addressed the conference.

In a 45 minute talk, Sheik Hamza Yusuf looked at the problems facing Islam, terrorism and community unity.