Alert: Construction work starts immediately – mosque in the old navy base in Votanicos

Source:  Ta Nea

© Translation: Muslim Association of Greece

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The construction of the [official] mosque, in Votanicos, was decided yesterday by the government, announcing immediate start of construction work. The mosque will be built on land granted by the Ministry of Defence in the region of the old Navy base in Votanicos.

As announced by a government spokesman, Giorgos Petalotis, the mosques will have a capacity of about 500 people and will “organically be integrated into a larger open green space.”

“The mosque that was finally announced by the government does not respond in any way to the real needs of the Muslims living in Athens. We are 750 000 Muslims and the mosque will not fit even 1% of those who pray daily,” says the the president of the Muslim Association of Greece, Mr. Naim Elghadour, in “Ta Nea” who characterizes the decision as “a palliative which will cause only reactions of the Muslims.”

State funds

The construction of the mosque will be financed with Greek government funds through the Public Investment Program. Bids from foreign entities, governmental or otherwise, will not be accepted as announced by the government, seeking thereby to avoid possible involvement of fundamentalist organizations. Question however remains whether there are still 15 million Euros which had been approved since 2006 for its construction.

Its administrative structure, with a decision of the Minister of Education will appoint a seven member board, two members are proposed by recognized, reputable Muslim associations and five government officers. Furthermore, by the order of George Papandreou, there will be a committee to oversee the project, headed by the Deputy Prime Minister Theodoros Pangalos and the participation of Ministers of Education, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Defence, Civil Protection and KED.

ΡΕΠΟΡΤΑΖ: Στέλιος Βραδέλης svradelis@dolnet.gr

Translated by Elena Nikolova-Pouliasi

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