Bush hails Islam as a religion of charity, compassion, peace

US President, George Bush, has hailed Islam as a religion of charity, compassion, and peace that "Ebrings, he said, hope and comfort to more than a billion people around the world."

In remarks he made Thursday evening during an Iftar (fast-breaking meal) he hosted at the White house in honor of the ambassadors of Islamic countries accredited to Washington, President Bush said Islam "has made brothers and sisters of every race. It has given birth to a rich culture of learning and literature and science."

The US President who was hosting the second White House Iftar of his Administration said God's word revealed in the holy Koran to the prophet Mohammed inspires faithful Muslims to lead lives of honesty and integrity and compassion.

President Bush stated further that in hosting this Iftar, he sends a message to all Muslim nations to tell them "America treasures your friendship. America honors your faith."

The message is also addressed to all Americans to tell them that the United States is waging a war on a radical network of terrorists, not on a religion and not on a civilization, said the US President, calling his co-citizens to live up to the principles they defend and mainly the principle of tolerance to which they are most deeply committed.

President Bush also called for dialogue and for building bridges of mutual trust and understanding on the occasion of the month of Ramadan and of upcomimg holiday seasons marked by other revealed religions.