20000108

Clinton greets Muslims on Eid-ul-Fitr

WASHINGTON: President Clinton on Thursday extended "warm greetings to Muslims across the United States and around the world as the holy month of Ramazan comes to a close and you celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr."

"We pray that the new moon will bring a new era of peace Ñ in the Middle East and all across the world Ñ so people can emerge from the shadows of violence and make better lives for their children," Clinton said.

Following is the text of the President's message:

"Warm greetings to Muslims across the United States and around the world as the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close and you celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.

"The month of fasting that Muslims everywhere are completing is not only a sacred duty; it is also a powerful teaching, a gift from Islam to the world. It reminds not just Muslims but all people of our obligation to aid those who face poverty and suffering. It reminds us that we must work together to build a better, more humane world.

"We hope and pray for a world where all faiths are respected, where people of different beliefs and ethnic backgrounds can live together in harmony, finding strength and joy in our differences and in our common humanity. And we pray that the new moon will bring a new era of peace Ñ in the Middle East and all across the world Ñ so people can emerge from the shadows of violence and make better lives for thier children.