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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
USAID Holds 5th Annual Iftaar Dinner in Washington, D.C.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2006
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ambassador Randall L. Tobias, Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance and Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), hosted an Iftaar dinner on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 with Imam Yahya Hendi, Georgetown University's full-time Muslim chaplain, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.
Citing the famed Marshall Plan, which guided the rebuilding of Europe following World War II, Tobias emphasized the U.S. government's commitment to assisting Muslim nations, reflecting upon the attitudes about Europe after World War II and the attitudes towards the Middle East today. He noted the presence of USAID missions in 27 of the world's 49 countries where more than 50 percent of the population practices Islam.
Tobias called upon the themes of "diversity and unity" expressed in the President's message for Ramadan this year. "Muslims come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and they embrace a variety of cultural traditions, social structures and lifestyles," Tobias said. "Yet, that which unites Muslims and non-Muslims alike is far greater than that which would divide us."
The dinner brought together officials from U.S. and foreign governments, as well as members of the American Islamic community, to celebrate the breaking of the fast during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. In attendance were Ambassadors from many nations, including Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cote d'Ivoire, Mauritania, Niger, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan and other diplomatic representatives from the Embassy of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Senegal. A number of Arab and Muslim community and grassroot leaders from such organizations as the American Islamic Congress, American Task Force on Palestine, The Free Muslim Coalition, The Hariri Foundation and the Aga Khan Foundation attended along with students from both American University and Georgetown University.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years. For more information about USAID, visit our web site at www.usaid.gov.
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