Muslim women meeting in the Spanish city of Cordoba have urged an end to what they see as negative stereotypes of their religion in the West.

A statement issued at the end of a two-day conference attended by about 200 Muslim women and men expressed concern about the difficulties Muslim immigrant women face when they try to become integrated into Western societies.

Participants said much of the negative image of their religion comes from the common Western perception that Muslim women are downtrodden members of society, who hide behind veils and body garments.

The conference was organized by a Madrid-based group called "An-Nisa."

Controversy broke out during the meeting, when about 20 participants attempted to pray at what once was the Mosque of Cordoba - a site that has been a Roman Catholic cathedral since the 13th century. Security guards removed the group from the building.

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