NYC imam says bin Laden's death paves way for healing

Praises President Obama

5/2/2011
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK  — The Muslim leader behind plans for a controversial mosque near the World Trade Center site is praising President Barack Obama after the death of Osama bin Laden.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf said Monday that Obama’s actions help support “people in the Arab world who are also fighting against terrorism by their own rulers.”

Rauf said bin Laden’s death can bring “closure and healing around 9/11.”

In March, Rauf and his wife, activist Daisy Khan, said they were pursuing other avenues for an Islamic community center and mosque following a rift with the project’s developer.

He said Monday that discussions with people interested in a multi-faith center were continuing. He’s not sure where it will be.

The developer says he still plans a center near ground zero.