2007 Programs and Events
Friendship and U.S. Respect for Islam Reaffirmed at Mosque Anniversary
June 27, 2007
At a June 27 ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Islamic Center of Washington, President Bush reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the Middle East peace process. "We will work toward a day when a democratic Palestine lives side by side with Israel in peace," he said.
He also announced the appointment a U.S. envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to listen and learn and to share views with delegates from Muslim nations. The appointment is intended "to demonstrate to Muslim communities our interest in respectful dialogue and continued friendship," he said.
President Bush called the event a "celebration of America’s diversity of faith and our unity as free people," and quoted the poet Rumi: "The lamps are different, but the light is the same." (more)