Oscar winning actress Cate Blanchett returned to Australia this weekend to appeal for calm after the recent race riots there.

White Australians clashed with Lebanese Australians on the beaches of Sydney that led to police being called in to diffuse the situation.

Speaking at Sydney�s Coogee beach Blanchett attempted to soothe the divided communities.

She said: "It's actually very clear and simple. Violence and racism are bad. Whenever they occur they are to be condemned (and) we should not turn a blind eye to them.

"It's about respect. Respect for others, respect for the rights of others and respect of the rights of everyone to go about their lives in a peaceful way."

I hope Bush and Blair are listening...