British and U.S. leaders have sent out their Ramadan messages, thanking Muslims in their respective countries for their contribution to success and for enriching culture.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Ramadan's message of compassion and social justice "spreads beyond Muslim communities ... it speaks of shared values that unite us all".

"Muslims make a huge contribution to Britain's success -- to our prosperity, our society and our culture. And of course, Ramadan is an opportune time to consider the contribution of Islam not just to Britain, but to the world," he said in a press release sent to The Jakarta Post by the British embassy in Jakarta.

Brown added that he looked forward to continuing positive engagement with British Muslim communities across the United Kingdom.

In a release sent to the Post by the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, U.S. President George W. Bush thanked the Muslim community for their contributions to America.

"Your love of family, and gratitude to God have strengthened the moral fabric of our country. Our nation is stronger and more helpful because of the generosity, talents and compassion of our Muslim citizens," he said.

The U.S. and Britain are staunch supporters of the wars in Muslim countries Afghanistan and Iraq, which currently remain in chaos, under the pretext of conquering religious extremists and an authoritarian regime.

Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks and the subsequent wars, interfaith dialogues have become a staple international issue amid misperceptions between the West and Muslim communities. -- JP/Tony Hotland

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