Washington: Reaching out to Muslims across the globe, US President Barack Obama has pledged "concrete actions" to build a world that is more peaceful and secure, in his Ramadan message sent out in about a dozen languages including Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and Punjabi.
In a video address, Obama greeted 1.5 billion Muslims across the world getting ready for the holy month of Ramadan, a month-long period of prayer, reflection and sunrise-to-sunset fasts, which began today in Middle East and in most of the Islamic world.
Obama said the rituals of Ramadan are a reminder of the principles Muslims and Christians have in common. He said those principles include advancing justice, progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
US embassies in the Muslim world had held consultations with governments and citizens and he was now "focused on pursuing concrete actions", Obama said in the message which was translated in about a dozen languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and Punjabi.
"We have listened. We have heard you. And like you, we are focused on pursuing concrete actions that will make a difference over time–both in terms of the political and security issues that I have discussed, and in the areas that you have told us will make the most difference in peoples` lives," he said.
"Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection – a time when Muslims fast during the day and perform "tarawih" prayers at night, reciting and listening to the entire Koran over the course of the month," Obama said alluding to his father`s Muslim background.
Asserting that his administration is committed to build a world that is more peaceful and secure, he said, "That is why we are responsibly ending the war in Iraq. That is why we are isolating violent extremists while empowering the people in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan".
This is the reason why the US is unyielding in its support for a two-state solution that recognises the rights of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security, he said, adding, "That is why America will always stand for the universal rights of all people to speak their mind, practice their religion, contribute fully to society and have confidence in the rule of law".
"All of these efforts are a part of US` commitment to engage Muslims and Muslim-majority nations on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect. And at this time of renewal, I want to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world," Obama said.
Referring to his Cairo speech, he said this new beginning must be borne out in a sustained effort to listen to each other, to learn from each other, to respect one another, and to seek common ground.
Bureau Report
