Chairman Kerry Statement on Ramadan

For Immediate Release: Saturday, August 22, 2009

Washington, D.C.—Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement to Muslim communities in America and around the world marking the start of Ramadan today:

"With the onset of Ramadan, the holiest month of the Muslim calendar year where observing Muslims fast for 30 days from sunrise to sunset as a way to increase spirituality and thank God for his blessings, I want to extend my best wishes to Muslim communities in Massachusetts and around the world. Ramadan Kareem.

"As I said during the hearing I chaired in February on engaging Muslim communities, American Muslims play an important role in the fabric of this country. Their patriotism is a source of security for all of us and their freedom of worship is a powerful counterargument against those whose say American values are incompatible with Islam. As Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to broadening relations with Muslim nations beyond the few lightning-rod topics that have defined them since 9/11 to include climate change, combating poverty, investing in human development, and creating knowledge societies."

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