Message from U.S. Ambassador James Cunningham On the Occasion of Eid ul-Fitr

U.S. Embassy Kabul - August 18, 2012

Salaam Aleykum. As the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, and on behalf of the American people, I send warm greetings to the people of Afghanistan who are celebrating Eid ul-Fitr. I hope Eid will bring a renewed determination for an Afghan future marked by hope and optimism. 

I want to extend our most sincere condolences and prayers to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded in the recent wave of terrorist attacks throughout Afghanistan.  By targeting Muslim civilians in their markets as they prepared for Eid ul-Fitr, the terrorists have demonstrated their utter disregard for their fellow Afghans, and for the sanctity of the holy month of Ramazan.

Eid is a time to celebrate the completion of a month of devotion.  At an Iftar at the White House last week, President Obama said, “during Ramazan, we see the traditions that are shared by many faiths: Believers engaged in prayer and fasting, in humble devotion to God…People of different faiths coming together, mindful of our obligations to one another.”

The three-day festival of Eid ul-Fitr marks a time when Muslims around the world, including millions of American Muslims, reflect on the principles we hold in common – peace, justice and dignity for all people, men and women. These are Islamic values, but also values we hold dear as Americans. We know there is more that unites peoples of faith than divides us.

As Ramazan draws to a close, let us hold on to this spirit of community and cooperation.  I offer best wishes for a blessed holiday.  Eid Mubarak!

Link to video message here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfeVWnaerAQ