SPEECHES

Charge d’Affairs
Robert E. Gribbin
Embassy of the United States

September 19-20, 2007

Iftaar Remarks

• Your Excellencies,
• Honorable Government Representatives,
• My colleagues from the U.S. Mission,
• Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
• All protocols observed.

Peace be upon you and good evening.

On behalf of the entire United States Mission in Nigeria, I welcome and thank you most sincerely for honoring our invitation.  As we gather this evening to break fast together, I wish to convey, through you, to the Nigerian Muslim community that America treasures your friendship and honors your faith.

The month of Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Holy Qur'an, is a special time of spiritual renewal, fasting, and charity.  It is also a time of spiritual reflection and an occasion to remember the less fortunate by sharing with those in need.

Throughout our history, America has been blessed by the contributions of people of many different faiths and traditions.  Our Muslim citizens - who number 7 million — have helped make our nation a stronger and more hopeful place through their faith, generosity, and compassion.

As the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – counseled: “Exchange gifts, and mutual affinity ensues; shake hands, and enmity will fall away.”  In the spirit of these incisive words, I extend my hand to you and pledge myself to expanding and deepening our friendship. 

I invite each of you to help yourselves to the buffet.

Thank you.