THE Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, today called for power to be handed over to the people of Iraq to enable them to build their own future.

Dr Hope, speaking on Radio Four's Thought For the Day, said that there was an "overwhelming agreement" that the people of Iraq should be responsible for the running of their country following the downfall of Saddam Hussein's regime.

Dr Hope said that those in power had a responsibility to use their power well in the service of others, following the example of Jesus.

He said: "Power and authority is not to be lauded over others, but used in service of others.

"As events have unfolded in Iraq the concept of power is not far from our minds. Abuse of power was a grim reality in the regime of Saddam Hussein."

He continued: "People often talk about the balance of power, which paradoxically holds the peace. But it's not only the holding of the peace, but building and keeping of the peace.

"The coalition forces and the wider community must be ready and willing to hand power over to the powerless - the only sure and certain way to empower them to serve and build their future."

Updated: 10:08 Thursday, April 17, 2003