Powell hosts iftar for American Muslims
Regional-USA, Religion, 11/20/2002

US Secretary of State, Colin Powell Monday hosted an Iftar or "breaking of fast" for American Muslim leaders at the Department of State in Washington.

The hosting of Iftaar for American Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan has become an annual tradition begun by Powell's predecessor, Madeleine Albright. "We are unique. America is a nation of nations, whose citizens (came) from every land and observe every religion," Powell said at the function.

There are about six million Muslims in America.

"America is a nation where a Christian Secretary of State, the son of Jamaican immigrants, can host an Iftar for Muslim Americans who trace their ancestry back to South Asia, East Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and every corner of the globe," he said.

In his message to Muslims across the globe, Powell pointed out that "extremism and violence are our greatest enemies, our greatest foes. We must not listen to the siren song of the bigots and extremists who cloak themselves in false spirituality in an attempt to divide and to weaken us." At the same time, he said, the US sought to deepen its engagement with Muslims on all levels through exchange of scholars, the flow of commerce, and through personal interactions.

"We are also committed to building understanding by building hope. From the mountains of Afghanistan to the valleys of Bosnia, from the plains of Africa to the forests of Asia, in the Arab world and around the world, we are on the ground, working with our Muslim partners to expand the circle of peace, the circle of prosperity, the circle of freedom," Powell said.

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  Bush sends Ramadan greetings to muslims around the world   (11/6/2002)

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