Cancellation of the construction permit for Marseille Grand Mosque.

The Mosque Association calls on Algerian authorities to help.Paris Mosque Rector calls the tribunal decision a ‘’silly, xenophobic and anti-Islamic act’’ Paris Mosque Rector calls it a ‘’silly, xenophobic and anti-Islamic act’’The Chairman of the Paris Mosque Association, Abderrahmane Ghoul, said the Marseille tribunal’s decision surprised French people more than it astonished the Muslim community in France. The statement was made after Marseille's administrative tribunal cancelled the project, which had already been pending for more than 18 months. The court argument was the project’s failures to meet urban-planning requirements. Mr. Ghoul said his association ‘’ will continue fighting to get the Muslims of Marseille construct their mosque.’’ Mr Ghoul was very clear by saying ‘’ We will work on the cancellation of the (Marseille Court decision) decision’’ For his part, the Rector of the Paris Mosque, Mr. Dalil Boubekeur, said the decision was a ‘’silly, xenophobic and anti-Islamic act’’. Mr Boubekeur further added that ‘’The project was cancelled because Algeria is supporting it’’When contacted by Echorouk, the Chairman of the Marseille Mosque federation, Mr. Mohamed Badra said that his organization calls the highest authorities in Algeria to see with their French counterparts ways likely to enable the Muslims in Marseille get the right to build their place of cult back.It is worth recalling that Marseille Administrative Tribunal raised particular concerns over the project's failure to finalize a deal for a 450-place parking lot and to reassure planners that the mosque would fit with the urban environment. The tribunal noted “a lack of graphical material permitting the evaluation of the project's integration with neighboring buildings, its visual impact and the treatment of access points and land.”The project was granted a permit in September 2009 but construction was suspended following complaints from local residents and businesses.The 22-million-euro ($31-million) project would have seen the Grand Mosque, boasting a minaret soaring 25-metres (82-feet) high and room for up to 7,000 worshippers, built in the city's northern Saint-Louis area. Originally scheduled to open next year, it would have also hosted a Quran school, library, restaurant and tea room.Muslim leaders in the Mediterranean city had hailed the approval of the project as a key step in recognizing the importance of Marseille's large Muslim community.France's second city is home to an estimated 250,000 Muslims, many of whom flock to makeshift prayer houses in basements, rented rooms and dingy garages to worship.