A US church minister has pledged to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, despite warnings that it endangers American troops in Afghanistan.

Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove Outreach Centre in Florida has been warned by the top general in Afghanistan, General David Patraeus, that "images of the burning of a Koran would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan, and around the world, to inflame public opinion and incite violence".

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said: "I am heartened by the clear, unequivocal condemnation of this disrespectful, disgraceful act that has come from American religious leaders of all faiths."

Rev Jones has voiced concerns about the welfare of the troops, but believes the US should not back down. He said: "We think it's time to turn the tables and instead of possibly blaming us for what could happen, we put the blame where it belongs - on the people who would do it. And maybe instead of addressing us, we should address radical Islam and send a very clear warning that they are not to retaliate in any form."

Muslims consider the Koran to be the word of God and insist it is treated with the utmost respect.Any intentional damage or show of disrespect to the Koran is deeply offensive.