LONDON - The Church of England offered Monday to take the lead in reconciling with Muslims by apologizing to their leaders for the US-led war in Iraq if the British government fails to do so...

The Board Of Deputies Of British Jews today welcomed the decision by the Ethical Investment Advisory Group of the Church of England to reject calls for disinvestment from Caterpillar, suppliers of construction machinery to many countries in the Middle East.

Commenting on the decision, the Board's Chief Executive, Jon Benjamin said "The EIAG consulted with us, the office of the Chief Rabbi and others within the Jewish community, as well as with those who advocated economic sanctions. We are particularly pleased that this matter had a proper airing and that the decision was made on the basis of all of the facts and of the positive developments in the region."

He added "All too often, campaigns for divestment and boycotts have been driven by misinformation or by the most superficial assessment of the actual situation on the ground. When the true position is explained, the inappropriateness of economic sanctions is exposed."