Source/Credit: Express | UK | World News |
By Joanna Walters in New York | September 11, 2010
VIOLENT protests spread across the world yesterday amid the escalating row over plans to burn a copy of the Koran on today’s anniversary of 9/11.
Proposals to set fire to the Islamic holy book by fundamental Christians were last night in the balance as the furore threatened to overshadow remembrance services to those who died in the terrorist atrocities.
Thousands took to the streets across Afghanistan – and one person was shot dead and several wounded outside a German-run Nato base.
Protests spread to the capital Kabul and at least four other provinces. Radical Florida preacher Terry Jones has been condemned by political, military and religious leaders across the world for the protest.
He suspended the stunt on Thursday, saying he hoped to meet the leader of a planned mosque near the Ground Zero site in New York to talk about moving its controversial location.
But Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf said yesterday he had no scheduled meeting with Jones but was open to see anyone “seriously committed to pursuing peace”.
The extreme Christian last night issued a two-hour ultimatum to the group to respond to his offer of talks.
US President Barack Obama said destroying the holy book would lead to a “recruitment bonanza” for Islamist terrorism group Al Qaeda. And military leaders warned the lives of US and British troops would be at risk in Afghanistan if the International Burn-a-Koran Day went ahead.
Mr Obama last night added: “We have to make sure we don’t start turning on each other. The idea we would burn the sacred text of someone else’s religion is contrary to what this country stands for.”
But he has no legal means of stopping the plans as the First Amendment of the US Constitution protects the right to free speech. In London, thousands of Muslims gathered in peace at one of western Europe’s largest mosques to condemn the pastor.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, world head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, addressed millions of people via a live telecast from the Baitul Futuh Mosque, in Morden, south-west London.
He said Mr Jones’ plans had spread “hatred” around the world, adding: “Religious extremism – be it Christian, Muslim or any other kind – is never a true reflection of the religion.”
The row has threatened to overshadow plans to commemorate the thousands killed and injured when Muslim extremists hijacked four planes, flying two into the Twin Towers and one into the Pentagon.
Sixty-seven Britons were among those who died.
Read original post here: 'Burn Koran' stunt sparks world riots
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