ARAB NEWS: RIYADH, 10 October 2007 — US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ford M. Fraker termed the US House of Representatives resolution recognizing Ramadan and expressing the deepest respect to Muslims in the United States as “historic”.
The resolution was adopted in the House by a vote of 376-0 last week for the first time.
“We welcome the resolution from the US House of Representatives recognizing the holy month of Ramadan and expressing respect to Muslims,” said Fraker. “This message of friendship is particularly appropriate here, the home of Islam’s two holiest mosques.”
The American envoy noted that “this resolution confirms that Congress and the American people are fully supportive of these efforts.”
The resolution, which acknowledges the importance of Muslims in America, is the first of its kind, introduced by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) and co-sponsored by 30 legislators.
The resolution was strongly backed by Democrat Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, the first Muslim to be elected to US Congress.
Fraker underscored the US Embassy’s community outreach efforts, including hosting iftar meals during Ramadan.
“Moreover, we hosted Imam Muhammad Bashar Arafat, who spoke to Saudi audiences about Muslim life in America and shared his peaceful messages of cooperation and dialogue between cultures,” he said.
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish your readers Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak,” he added.
A statement posted at the US Embassy website said that US President George W. Bush has expressed happiness on the adoption of this resolution.
Bush said that the Islamic religion “is a great religion that preaches peace,” and that Americans are free “to worship any way they see fit.” US Envoy Emphasizes Bid to Bridge Social Gap (more) By M. Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Arab News
Mark Alexander
4 comments:
US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ford M. Fraker termed the US House of Representatives resolution recognizing Ramadan and expressing the deepest respect to Muslims in the United States as “historic”.
Oh, it's historic, all right. And I just knew that something like this was coming from the press in the Middle East.
I don't have time to discuss in depth what Ramadan signifies. But please see the first and last paragraphs of this, from the Muslim perspective. Ramadan celebrates the Battle of Badr and means a lot more than fasting and prayers. GWB is spouting ideological surrender (See this), and so is our House of Representatives.
Always:
I find it incredible that the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia can come out with this balderdash. I also find it equally incredible that President Bush can be so naïve and stupid!
I, for one, shall be glad to see the back of him. It is to be hoped that the American electorate will be a little more careful and show better judgement when they elect their next president.
Forgive me for saying so (as a Brit), but this president has done more to damage the cause of democracy than any other president I can remember in my lifetime.
Shame on him!
I'm looking forward to a similar resolution for Catholicism next Lent...!
Hah.
Suek:
I think many Lents will pass before we get such a resolution.
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