US Embassy in Liberia Host Iftar Dinner
US Embassy in Liberia Host Iftar Dinner
The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia, Brooks A. Robinson said America will work with Liberians from all faiths and all walks of life to advance shared aspirations that include building a society where everyone can live in peace, security, and dignity. The Chargé made this comments at the Embassy’s annual Iftaar dinner that she hosted on Thursday, September 17, 2009, at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia.
Attendees at the event included the Chairman of the National Muslim Council of Liberia, Sheikh Kafumba Konneh, the Secretary-General of the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia, Benjamin Lartey, the head of the Council of traditional chiefs of Liberia, Zanzan Kaarwor, some members of the Liberian Diplomatic Corps, and other representatives of Liberian Muslim and non-Muslim community, including women and student leaders.
Chargé Brooks noted that President Bill Clinton introduced Iftaar in the White House in 1996 and hosting Iftar has become a tradition at American Embassies since then. She said American Presidents and Embassies host Iftaars because they recognize and want to celebrate the fact that the nearly seven million Muslims in the United States have enriched American culture and made the country stronger. She added that Presidents and Embassies also host Iftaars to demonstrate America’s commitment to engaging with Muslims on the basis of mutual interest and respect
Sheik Kafuma Konneh and the Representative of the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia Mr. Benjamin Lartey, who spoke on behalf of their fellow Muslims and non-Muslims at the occasion thanked the Embassy for hosting the event, noting that the annual hosting of Iftaar by the U.S Embassy in Liberia should encourage Liberians of all faiths to live together in peace and work for the development of their country as one people. Sheik Konneh also acknowledged and appreciated the fact that there is more interest and more knowledge about the Koran and Islam in the United States
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