US President Supports Ground Zero mosque

The US President Barrack Obama has backed a proposed mosque and Islamic community centre near the site of the former world trade centre in New York which was damaged in the 9/11 attacks

Claiming it is an offense to the memory of September 11 attacks, for several weeks, opponents of the plan in New York City have publicly staged demonstrations against it.

President Obama gave his support to the mosque during an annual White House dinner marking the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

"Let me be clear. As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practise their religion as anyone else in this country," he said.

"That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community centre on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances.

"This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable," Obama added.

President Obama has tried to reach out to the global Muslim community since taking office, and the over 100 guests at Friday's dinner included ambassadors and officials from numerous Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.