Oct 17, 2006, 7:55 GMT
Washington - The end of the Muslim month of fasting is 'a good time to reflect on the values we hold in common,' US President George W Bush said Monday night while hosting an Eid al-Fitr dinner at the White House.
The Muslim guests of the president and First Lady Laura Bush included police officers and medics who worked at the scene of the September 11 attacks five years ago in New York City, US diplomats, a military doctor, a Navy chaplain and other military veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Bush welcomed the dinner guests with a greeting of 'Ramadan Karim.' Monday was the sixth White House observation of the event during his presidency.
'On this special evening, we celebrate the millions of Muslims that we are proud to call American citizens. We honour the many Islamic nations that America is proud to call friends,' Bush said.
'And we renew the ties of friendship that should bind all who trace their faith back to God's call on Abraham.'
The White House served a Middle Eastern-influenced menu including spiced carrot soup, mint pesto-crusted halibut and chocolate macaroons. Eid al-Fitr is a celebratory meal to mark the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting.
'America is a land of many faiths, and we welcome and honour the Muslim faith in our nation,' Bush said.
'Our society is enriched by our Muslim citizens. Your commitment to your faith reminds us all 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.'
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