Four business organisations in Northern Ireland have called for leadership during the annual 12th of July protests and parades.

CBI Northern Ireland, the Federation of Smaller Businesses, the Institute of Directors and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce released a joint statement today.

"As we approach the main parading season we would encourage those involved to provide the necessary leadership on contentious parades and related protests," it said.

"We would encourage all those involved to go the extra mile in demonstrating a high level of respect to others, ensuring every effort is undertaken to create space for dialogue and discussion and endeavour to reduce tensions within our community."

This week it was revealed that the Orange Order and the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association had held a meeting to resolve differences over a contentious parade held in north Belfast every 12 July.

Although no agreement was met, The Grand Lodge of Ireland described the talks as "comprehensive and frank" and said it would be willing to engage with the nationalist residents' association in future.

Today's statement from the four organisations added: "We welcome the commitments from the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in May to tackling the divisions within our society and to building a 'Shared Future'. This was reinforced by the publication of the Economic Pact agreed between the UK government and the NI Executive in advance of the G8 summit which covers a range of economic and social initiatives.

"And we welcome a number of particularly significant investment announcements over the last few weeks which will create many jobs."

The statement continued: "However the headwinds facing the economy remain strong and much work is still required to sustain the fragile recovery which is underway. We must continue to build a positive image and reputation for the Province if we are to retain and attract investment and create more jobs, particularly for our young people."

(IT/JP)