Minister told 'bonfire of Korans' will damage US

A CHRISTIAN minister says he will continue with plans to burn copies of the Koran this weekend to protest over the 11 September, 2001 terrorist attacks, despite a warning from the leading US general in Afghanistan that doing so would endanger American troops.

Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida, said yesterday that he understands General David Petraeus's concerns, but plans to go ahead with the burning on Saturday, the ninth anniversary of the attacks.

He left the door open to change his mind, however, saying that he is still praying about his decision.

Gen Petraeus warned that images of the burning of a Koran "would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan - and around the world - to inflame public opinion and incite violence".

Mr Jones said he was concerned, but also wondered how many times the United States could back down.

"We think it's time to turn the tables, and instead of possibly blaming us for what could happen, we put the blame where it belongs - on the people who would do it," he said.

"And maybe instead of addressing us, we should address radical Islam and send a very clear warning that they are not to retaliate in any form."

Mr Jones, 58, who runs a small evangelical church with an anti-Islam philosophy, says he has received more than 100 death threats and has started carrying a gun.

The threats started not long after the minister proclaimed in July that he would stage "International Burn a Koran Day". Supporters have been sending him copies of the Islamic holy book to be incinerated in the bonfire.

The local fire department has denied Jones a required bonfire permit, but he said lawyers have told him his right to burn the Koran is protected by the US Constitution's First Amendment, whether he has got permission from the city or not.

Muslims consider the Koran to be the word of God and insist it be treated with respect.