The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Dr Thomas Butler, and Mr Manzoor Moghal, Chairman, Federation of Muslim Organisations in Leicestershire, have issued a joint statement this week on the situation in Iraq:

"We are relieved that the crisis in Iraq appears to have been eased through diplomatic initiatives. Our prayers continue to be for all involved in this dangerous situation, and especially for the ordinary Iraqi people. We believe that the sufferings they are experiencing through the imposition of sanctions should not be forgotten, and we hope that a positive and lasting solution, including the lifting of sanctions, will soon be found to guarantee their well-being and the security of the whole region. Meanwhile, we will do all we can to strengthen the good relations that exist between people of all faiths in our city and county. In particular, we will work hard to ensure dialogue between Christians and Muslims, believing as we both do in a God of justice and peace."