New York mosque talks 'exploring all options'

The imam leading the effort to build an Islamic centre and mosque near the site of the 11 September, 2001 attacks in New York has said a resolution to the raging debate over its location is being examined.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf said: "We are exploring all options as we speak right now, and we are working to what will be a solution, God willing, that will resolve this crisis, defuse it and not create any unforeseen or untoward circumstances that we do not want to see happen."

He did not elaborate on whether the options included moving the centre from the proposed site, two blocks from the World Trade Centre.

But he did say that the proposed location, while controversial, was important.

"We need a platform where the voice of moderate Muslims can be amplified … This is an opportunity that we must capitalise on so the voice of moderate Muslims will have a megaphone," he said.

The imam said he wanted to clarify a "misperception" that the Islamic centre's proposed site was sacred ground.

"It is disingenuous as some have suggested that the block is hallowed ground," he said, noting its proximity to strip joints and betting parlours.

He also raised the question of whether the project was worth the controversy, saying: "The answer is a categorical yes. Why? Because this centre will be a place for all faiths to come together in mutual respect. The world will be watching what we do here."