After Florida pastor Terry Jones announced that the Koran-burning ceremony would be canceled because “the leader of a planned Islamic Center near ground zero has agreed to move its controversial location,” Imam Faisal has come out and refuted that claim. A representative for Faisal told CBS News that no agreement has been made with Jones, though he is pleased that the Koran-burning demonstration has been called off.
“I am glad that Pastor Jones has decided not to burn any Qurans,” Faisal’s statement reads, “However, I have not spoken to Pastor Jones or [Florida] Imam Musri. I am surprised by their announcement. We are not going to toy with our religion or any other. Nor are we going to barter. We are here to extend our hands to build peace and harmony.”
Mursi emphasized that no deal has been reached to move the site of the Islamic community center, though he said he told Jones that he would do “everything in his power to make sure it is moved.” He said he has offered an invitation to Jones and Faisal to discuss the location of the mosque as a group.
In other mosque-related news, Donald Trump’s offer to buy out one of the major investors in the real-estate partnership controlling the site was declined almost immediately.
“This is just a cheap attempt to get publicity and get in the limelight,” said Wolodymyr Starosolsky, a lawyer for the investor, Hisham Elzanaty.
It seemed for a few days like all this mosque craziness might finally be dying down … but today seems to confirm: There is no end in sight.
NYC Imam: No Deal to Move NYC “Mosque” [CBS News]
Florida pastor cancels Quran burning, claims and counterclaims follow [CNN]
