Mister Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mister Secretary General of the High Islamic Council
Honored Imams
Political and Civil Leaders
And to all those fasting

I have the great pleasure today to host this Iftar dinner in your honor in this month that constitutes for Muslims an important moment in their lives. The month of Ramadan is one of the holiest periods for Muslims. It is the month that the Quran descended from God. It is also an occasion for meditation and prayer and aiding the poor and the indigent.

Ladies and Gentlemen

This month is also the occasion for family and friends to gather and to thank God for his grace through charitable actions. Islam is a heavenly religion followed by millions of Americans. I will take this opportunity to salute the role played by American Muslims to make the United States stronger and better for the future. The month of Ramadan is the best time to remind ourselves of the virtues we share. U.S. society is richer with its Muslim citizens who remind us, by their attachment to their religion, of their attachment, too, to freedom of religion in our country.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Through the fast of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the entire world renew their commitment to live with peace, clemency and probity. We wish that the month of Ramadan will become a month of grace and wellness and also a month of peace for Muslims and all other peoples in the entire world.

I wish you a good fast and good Ramadan.

Thank you

Steven Koutsis,
Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Mauritania

October 11, 2006