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Bush Sends Ramadan Greeting to Muslims Around the World
President Bush sends warm greetings to Muslims in the United States and around the world on the start of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.
Following is the White House text:
The White House
Washington, D.C.
October 14, 2004
I send warm greetings to Muslims in the United States and around the world as they begin observance of Ramadan, the holiest season in their faith.
Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammed. By teaching the importance of compassion, justice, mercy, and peace, the Qur'an has guided many millions of believers across the centuries. Today, this holy time is still set aside for Muslims to remember their dependence on God through fasting and prayer, and to show charity to those in need. (complete text)
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Latest Headlines From the Embassy |
U.S. Embassy Counselor For Public Affairs Hosts Ramadan Reception For Saudi Women
Remarks by Carol R. Kalin at Nayyara Restaurant, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
October 27, 2004.
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatu Allah wa Barakatu. Ramadan Mubarak to you all.
On behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, I am honored to host this dinner tonight, at this very special time for Muslims around the world. [I would like to extend a special welcome to their highnesses Adila bint Abdullah; Johara bint Fasial bin Turki; Sarah bint Talal; and Randa al-Saud.] (complete text)
State Department Invests in Improving the Visa Process
New staff, procedures work to increase transparency, efficiency of process.
The U.S. Department of State issued a fact sheet October 20 summarizing the many steps it has taken since 2002 to increase transparency, efficiency and predictability of the visa process.
The department strives to provide the best possible screening of visa applicants in an effort to combat terrorism and is "doing everything it can" to welcome foreign visitors for legitimate travel, according to the fact sheet. (complete text)
Statement by Secretary Snow on Charitable Giving During Ramadan
Treasury Secretary John W. Snow made the following remarks regarding the sanctity of charitable giving during Ramadan:
"Assalamualaikum and Ramadan greetings to our Muslim American brethren in the United States and Muslim friends around the world.
"Ramadan, a month of giving and benevolence, is a very special time for Muslims, marked by worship, contemplation, prayers and fasting. American Muslims practicing the Five Pillars of the Islamic faith, Shahada (affirmation), Salat (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), Sawm (Fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage), enrich our lives by strengthening the bonds of family, community and country. (complete text)
Bush, Kerry Meet in Final Presidential Debate as Election Nears
President Bush and Senator John Kerry faced off on a wide range of issues from homeland security and troop strength to wages and education in the third and final presidential debate October 13 in Tempe, Arizona.
With both candidates running statistically even in recent national polls, the debate was the public's last chance to see the two contenders go head to head.
(complete text)
American, Saudi, and British Trainers Team Up to Train 40 English Teaching Supervisors in Riyadh
A Week-long workshop of the Saudi Summer Institute for English teaching supervisors from every province in the Kingdom was held in Riyadh on September 4-8, in cooperation with the British Council and the Ministry of Education. Forty participants attended the workshop conducted by Cairo-based Regional English Language Officer George Scholz and University of Georgia specialist Spencer Salas, with two Ministry of Education officials. The British Council provided two local language specialists. Topics covered included Whole Language Learning, Cooperative Learning, Communicative Learning, and Interactive Teaching Approach. (complete text)
A Statement by Ambassador Oberwetter on the Occasion of U.S. Independence Day, Celebrated on September 29, 2004
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to our National Day celebration. I am particularly happy to welcome His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Mohamed bin Mogren Al Ayaf, Mayor of Riyadh as our guest of honor, tonight. As I look out over the crowd, I see friends and colleagues from the Saudi Arabian Government, other diplomatic missions, and the extended American community in Saudi Arabia. I hope that all of you have met old friends tonight, made new ones and are enjoying helping those of us who are American salute who we are. (complete text)
A Statement by Ambassador Oberwetter on the Occasion of Saudi Arabia's National Day
On behalf of the people of the United States of America I offer congratulations to the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the special occasion of your national day. It is a day to reflect on the past achievements of your beginnings. It is a day to be proud of the progress that you have made. And it is a day to dream of a better life ahead for you and for younger generations to come along.
Saudi Arabia is a very important country in the world today. Like every other country in the world, it faces certain challenges and opportunities presented by a world that is an ever-changing world. And, the Kingdom is taking steps to make advances in a changing world. (complete text)
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