A statement from chair of trustees Paul O'Shea:

"London Citizens exists to strengthen civil society and public life in London. We offer politics and negotiation, as the best ways of creating change and encourage all our 250 member institutions to work together for the common good.

We therefore condemn terrorism and violence against civilians and take very seriously any allegations made about Trustees or staff in that regard.

As soon as The Jewish Chronicle made us aware of Mr Ahmed's comments made in 2009 at a public meeting in east London we sought immediately to investigate his remarks. Our Lead Organiser, Development Director, several colleagues and a Trustee have studied Mr Ahmed's Speech at some length.

They take the clear view that he neither promotes or condones terrorism, nor expresses support for any proscribed organization in what he said in that Speech. Furthermore, as a result of this investigation, Mr Ahmed has reaffirmed his commitment today to working for the common good using the tools of politics and negotiation.

He has again clarified, to my satisfaction, that he did not and does not condone terrorism and that he has consistently condemned all acts of terror on every platform on which he has spoken. He concludes his statement by saying, 'My commitment to working for the common good and my desire to build and foster strong and mutually respectful inter faith relationships is on the record for all to see'.

That has been our experience in Trustees meetings and the variety of actions and negotiations he has been involved in with London Citizens over several years."