As Muslim groups the U.S. defense Barack Obama praised the president to build an Islamic complex near Ground Zero in New York, his opponents were quick to pounce on the decision.
"President Obama is wrong," said Rep. Peter King of New York. "It's not sensitive and caring towards the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of Ground Zero. The Muslim community has a right to build mosques who abuse the right that without offending many people
who have suffered so much, "King was quoted by the Associated Press news agency.
In New York, Rick A. Lazio, Republican candidate for governor and a former member of Parliament, issued a statement responding to comments by Mr. Obama, said the president still "do not listen to New York."
"With more than 100 mosques in New York, this is not a religious issue, but safety and" security, was quoted Saturday by The New York Times.
Muslim groups, praised Obama's decision to join the conversation.
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an advocacy group based in Washington, expressed his satisfaction that Obama finally decided to address the controversy.
"There was some disappointment when they press secretary revealed to be a local problem, but we were happy.," Said CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper. "That is something
must be made by the president. Levels of anti-Muslim hysteria that has been beyond the control of this controversy is manufactured, "he was quoted by The Washington Post.
On Friday, Obama supported allowing a mosque near the site of the World Trade Center were destroyed, said the country's basic principle is no less demanding.
Obama made the comment at the annual dinner at the White House State Dining Room to celebrate the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
"As a citizen and as president, I think Muslims have the same rights to practice their religion as everyone else in this country," Obama said, with a weight for the first time in a dispute that has divided the city of New York and the nation.
"That includes the right to build places of worship and community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, according to
laws and local regulations, "he said.
The White House had not taken a position on the problem of the mosque, which will become part of the U.S. $ 100,000,000 Islamic center two blocks from where nearly 3000 people died when hijacked planes hit the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, has confirmed it is a local problem.
This is much more than that, sparked a national debate as the Republicans, including former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and former chairman of the House Newt Gingrich announced its opposition.
Obama's stance contrary to the view of most Americans, according to exit polls. A CNN / Opinion Research Poll released this week revealed that nearly 70 percent of Americans opposed the plan of the mosque while only 29 percent approved.
Barack Obama backs Ground Zero mosque plan
