Official Speeches and Remarks by Ambassador Anne E. Derse

Ambassador's Iftar Remarks

October 13, 2006

Ramadan Mubarek.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all here today for an iftar dinner. Ramadan is, of course, the holiest time of the year for the hundreds of millions of Muslims all around the world, including several million living in the United States.

We live at a time when violent extremists are trying to exploit the tenets of a peaceful religion to create instability and a clash between civilizations. These extremists underestimate, however, the tolerance and welcoming embrace of all of the world's major religions.

In the face of such violence, cooperation between governments and representatives of religious communities is essential. The Government of the United States of America deeply values and respects the views of Muslim organizations. President Bush and Secretary of State Rice meet regularly with leading American Muslim organizations such as the Fiqh Council of North America, the Islamic Society of North America, and the Zaytuna Institute. Such dialogue between governmental and nongovernmental organizations is essential to promoting peace and understanding..

Azerbaijan, like the United States, is a country that symbolizes religious and ethnic tolerance. For centuries Jews and Christians and Muslims have lived here peacefully, side-by-side and they continue to do so until this day.

Azerbaijan has also taken a leadership role in the community of nations, including as the current Chairman of the OIC, to build bridges and promote peace in this and surrounding regions.

So, while I want to welcome the Ambassadors here tonight representing other nations with large Muslim populations, I would like to especially welcome the Azerbaijanis here tonight representing various religious groups in this country.

You are the heirs of a great historical tradition of tolerance and understanding. The United States greatly appreciates Azerbaijan's contributions as a model and leader in this area.

Welcome!