Greek PM pledges to build Athens mosque

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou pledged to build a long-delayed mosque in Athens for Muslim residents, noting that failure to provide such a facility for over two decades was a “disgrace”.

Mr Papandreou added that a temporary official facility for Muslim services would be provided until the completion of a proper mosque, which he said his father had first promised when he was prime minister 25 years ago.

“It is a disgrace that for 25 years, maybe more, since Andreas Papandreou promised the creation of a mosque in the greater Athens area, we have been unable to create such a building,” he told Parliament.

“We have moved these procedures quickly. There is wide consent on the project,” Mr Papandreou said, adding that Muslims had “a right” to a mosque.