Barack Obama backs Ground Zero mosque

President Barack Obama has offered strong support for plans to build a mosque and Muslim community centre near the Ground Zero site in New York where Islamic terrorists destroyed the World Trade Centre.

Mr Obama made his first public remarks on the proposals on Friday night after weeks avoiding comment on a controversial issue that has dominated headlines.

At a dinner celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, he declared "as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country".

In remarks prepared for the annual White House sunset meal breaking the fast, he said: "I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground."

But, he continued, "this is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are."

Robert Gibbs, his press secretary, said last week that the president did not want to "get involved in local decision-making" as controversy grew when New York city authorities removed the last planning hurdle to the project.

But Obama aides said the White House simply did not want to become involved while the city was delivering its verdict on the proposed Muslim complex two blocks from the site of the Sept 11, 2001, attacks on the Twin Towers.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is a strong supporters of the community centre scheme, arguing that it reflects the American principles of religious freedom and choice that were attacked by the 9/11 terrorists.

But the plans have provoked a national uproar over Islam and freedom of religion amid campaigning for crucial mid-term c ongressional elections in November.

Saran Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate, has led the objections. She called the project "an unnecessary provocation" and urged "peace-seeking Muslims" to reject it. To the outrage of some liberal Jewish groups, the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish organization, has also opposed the centre.

Rick Lazio, the Republican candidate for New York governor, said: "With over 100 mosques in New York City, this is not an issue of religion, but one of safety and security."

Mr Obama's intervention will put him at the centre of one of America's most sensitive political and cultural debates.