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SV PAN Exterior of marquee and flags at future site of the Ismaili centre in London (2 SHOTS)
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SV INTERIOR Audience seated in marquee (2 SHOTS)
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CU Prince Karim Mohamed Aga Khan speaking in English
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CU PAN Guest of Honour Lord Soames unveils plaque and shakes hands with the Aga Khan
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CU The Aga Khan and other guests looking at a model of future Ismaili Centre (2 SHOTS)
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TRANSCRIPT: AGA KHAN: It is my conviction that the building of this Centre is symbolic of a growing understanding of Islam. For some centuries past the Muslim world has lived in a shadow as far as the West was concerned. Muslim civilisation and society were poorly understood, or not understood at all. Apart from a few exceptional and dedicated men, there was no communications and almost no desire to be informed. Now we see the conditions have changed. This building and the prominence of the place it has been given indicate the seriousness and the respect the West is beginning to accord Muslim civilisation, of which the Ismaili community though relatively small, is fully representative. May this understanding, so important for the future of the world, progress and flourish."




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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In London, the Aga Khan--leader of the Ismaili Muslim Community was present at the foundation ceremony for a centre for Ismaili's living or visiting London. The centre, according to it's organisers, will fulfil the need for religious, cultural and social focus in the United Kingdom.

SYNOPSIS: The Ismaili centre will be located on a prominent site opposite the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Prince Karim Aga Khan has been the leader of the Ismaili Muslim community since the death of his grandfather in 1957. Addressing guests in a marquee on the building site, he said he hoped the centre would contribute to a growing understanding of Islam.

The guest of honour, Lord Soames unveiled a plaque commemorating the ceremony. The Ismailis are Shiah Muslims. They're spread through more than twenty-five countries, mostly in the developing nations of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The number settled in the United Kingdom is over ten thousand. Their new centre will include a house of prayer, reading room, a social room, roof garden and dining facilities.