Saudi prince now backs moving planned NYC mosque

A Saudi prince who has aided the imam spearheading a proposed Islamic center near New York’s Ground Zero says it would be better to shift to another site not associated with the Sept. 11 attacks.

In an interview with the Dubai-based Arabian Business magazine, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal says moving the planned mosque and other facilities would respect the memory of the 2001 attacks and allow American Muslims to choose a better location.

It is reportedly the prince’s first public comments on the dispute.

He has contributed to the foundation of New York’s Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, but says he has given no funds to the planned center.

The full interview is schedule to be published Sunday. The magazine posted excerpts Thursday.