Fla. minister determined to hold 9/11 Quran burn

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- The pastor of a tiny Florida church remains defiant against worldwide criticism of his threat to burn copies of the Muslim holy book on Saturday, the ninth anniversary of 9/11.

Pastor Terry Jones told reporters outside his church in Gainesville this afternoon that he remains unconvinced that "backing down is the right thing." He took no questions.

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His protest has drawn the objection of the top U.S. and NATO commander, Gen. David Petraeus, who says images of burning Qurans will be used by extremists, inflame public opinion and incite world wide violence.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking in Washington today, called the planned protest outrageous and disgraceful.

At least two dozen Christian churches, Jewish temples and Muslim organizations in the Gainesville have mobilized to plan inclusive events Saturday.