A TINY extremist minority of radical Muslims are damaging the view of the vast majority, according to the head of a new Newport Islamic organisation.

Speaking at the launch of COMMON, an independent forum bringing together numerous Mosques and Muslim organisations, chairman Ifthir Ahmed-Miah attacked the actions of the vocal minority who "craved publicity for their appalling" views.

"They have done untold damage to the image of Muslims in the UK and have made people question our loyalty and commitment to our own country," he said in a well-received speech to invited guests at the Hilton Hotel Newport on Wednesday night.

Mr Ahmed-Miah added the result for Muslims everywhere was that "the average man or woman in the street are unable to differentiate between those extremists and the ordinary Muslim."

He said the launch of COMMON (Council of Mosques and Muslim Organisations - Newport), a first for Wales, was to try to ensure the voice of mainstream Muslims is heard louder than those of extremists and also to "extend a hand of friendship to other people in Newport.

"We realised Mr and Mrs Jones need reassurance that these individuals are on the very fringes of the Muslim community and that their views are not shared by Mr and Mrs Ali next door.

"The only way our neighbours and fellow citizens can get this reassurance is if we speak out. If we make sure our voices, the voices of the mainstream, are those that dominate."

COMMON was forged last October when a peaceful vigil was launched by 150 people in Newport in response to a planned protest by the English Defence League.

The buzz created that night resulted in COMMON which has already signed up 16 Muslim organisations to work together to try to become more involved in Newport civic life.

Newport city council leader Matthew Evans spoke at the event to welcome the initiative.

Other guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Simon Boyle, Assembly Members Rosemary Butler, John Griffiths and Mike German and Parliamentary candidate Jessica Morden.

Certificates presented to the 16 organisations by Gerald Davies CBE and his wife Cilla Davies MBE chairwoman of Gwent Police Authority.