SPEECHES AND REMARKS 2006

October 18, 2006                                                  

As prepared for delivery

  Remarks by
                          Mr. Geoffrey Pyatt, Charge d'Affaires
                     Embassy of the United States
                        at Iftaar
                           The Nikko Hotel, New Delhi
                         October 18, 2006

"Ramzan Mubarak"
Imam Sahib, thank you for joining us today, for leading the prayers, and for your moving recitation of the Holy Qu'ran.
 
It is my honor to speak to you at Iftaar during the month of Ramzan.  This evening as you break your fast in the custom of your community -- and of a billion Muslims around the world -- my American colleagues and I offer our respects for your religious traditions.  We renew our commitment of friendship and partnership with the Muslim community of India.  You and your families have made a profound contribution to the history and culture of this country.  We recognize that Muslims play an important role in India's politics, education, art, and business, and appreciate the way many Indian Muslims help strengthen this country's ties with the United States.

Americans are also people of deep religious faith - many different faiths, including Islam - and we respect the commitment of Muslims to faith, family, and education.  The rich traditions of Islam in India do much to promote greater understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims not only in India but also around the world.

Yesterday in Washington, President Bush hosted a White House Iftaar dinner, telling Muslim - Americans:  "Our society is enriched by our Muslim citizens. Your commitment to your faith reminds us of the precious gift of religious freedom in our country. America is a more hopeful nation because of the talents and generosity and compassion of our Muslim citizens."   Islam is America's fastest growing religion, a growth powered by the expanding community of Muslims from South Asia.
 
Americans share with all Indians a hope that our children and grandchildren will grow up in a safer and more peaceful world.  We must stand together for freedom and democracy, to deliver that promise to future generations and to firmly oppose those who commit acts of violence.  As President Bush remarked, "The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam.…Islam is peace."

Here, among friends tonight, I want to be clear that the United States is determined that our country remain welcoming and tolerant.  The fundamental glue of our diverse society and our democracy requires that we, like you, reject every form of religious, ethnic and racial discrimination.
                                            
As we near the end of Ramzan, Americans recognize that during this season Muslims throughout the world move beyond observations of faith to acts of charity through zakat, an annual outpouring of generosity toward the poor and helpless.  In India we see the spirit and compassion of Islam through the countless acts of kindness individual Muslims perform every day.

Yet there remains much work to do:  India has been tragically affected this year by the reemergence of polio, one of mankind's most dread diseases, that cripples and kills young people.  We should resolve in the year ahead to inform and protect the young people of this country by helping every newborn child receive the necessary and inexpensive polio vaccination.  The United States government, through its scientific and development partnerships, has made a major commitment to eliminate this scourge in India.  It is time that polio be defeated forever.
   
As we approach the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr, the United States renews the ties of friendship and partnership and recognizes the many hopeful works we have achieved together and will achieve in the future.  Let us banish fear and isolate those who hate.

In the spirit of justice and tolerance that makes this season we will work together for the peace and prosperity we all seek.  Thank you for sharing this Iftaar meal with us.
                                                                                   
I wish all of you a blessed Ramzan.