Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Host Iftaar Dinner

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will host an Iftaar dinner to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 8:00 p.m., in the Benjamin Franklin Room at the U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.

The month of Ramadan is devoted to worship, contemplation, charity, and fellowship, observed with a daily fast.  At the end of each day, Muslims traditionally break the fast with a meal known as Iftaar.  This Iftaar is a chance to celebrate Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Koran to the Prophet Mohammed, and to engage in reflection, generosity, and compassion – important aspects of Islam.  This year the theme is, “Celebrating Islamic Art and Culture.”

The remarks are open to press coverage for writers and still photographers and pool press coverage for cameras.

Final access time for all press: 7:45 p.m. at the C Street entrance

Media representatives may attend this briefing upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense, or Foreign Press Center), (2) a media-issued photo identification card, or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification (driver’s license or passport).
 
Media inquiries can be made to Mr. David Staples at (202) 776-8405 or the Office of Press Relations at (202) 647-2492.

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