But the imam leading that project denied any such agreement. In reaction, Mr. Jones said he was not canceling the burning, but was suspending it.
Political and religious leaders around the world had condemned him. The plan even led the State Department to warn American travelers to avoid places where protests might take place.
President Obama said burning Qurans could endanger American troops and invite more extremism. Defense Secretary Robert Gates called Mr. Jones on Thursday to urge him to reconsider.
Administration officials called the idea of burning Qurans "un-American." But they also agreed that it would be within constitutional rights, like protesters who burn American flags. The Constitution guarantees free speech and bars the government from restricting the practice of religion.
President Obama has worked to improve relations with the Islamic world. On Thursday he extended greetings to the world's Muslims for Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
A memorial with pictures of some of the 343 New York City firefighters killed at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001
But many Muslim groups in the United States are limiting celebrations on Saturday because of the timing of Eid and 9-11 this year. A Muslim student leader at George Washington University, for example, called on Muslim students to take part in a day of community service.
On Friday, a new study said national security agencies have not changed enough to deal with new terrorist threats against the United States.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25