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Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf Praises Pres. Obama For Killing Osama Bin Laden

NEW YORK (AP / CBSNewYork) - The Muslim leader who had been behind a controversial mosque near the World Trade Center site is praising President Barack Obama following the death of Osama bin Laden.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, of the planend Park 51 complex, 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.''

SOUND OFF: Share Your Feelings And Thoughts About Osama Bin Laden's Death

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 various people interested in a multi-faith center were continuing. He's not sure where it will be.

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The developer says he still plans a center near Ground Zero.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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