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The DCM, Mrs Cynthia Akuetteh giving a present to one of the Muslim leaders
(Photo: Yacouba Soro/US Embassy) |
US Embassy Hosts Iftaar Dinners for Muslim Communities in Côte d’Ivoire
The US Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire organized two Iftaar dinners as part of the Ramadan celebration. On October 10, 2007, the DCM, Mrs Cynthia Akuetteh, hosted an Iftaar dinner for Côte d’Ivoire’s Muslim Community at her residence. The US new Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Mrs Wanda L. Nesbitt also attended the ceremony, designed to strengthen the ties between the Embassy and the Ivoirian Muslim Community.
Guests included the President of the High Council of Imams, Cheick Aima Aboubacar FOFANA; the President of the National Islamic Council, El Hadj Idriss Kone Koudouss; as well as other prominent Muslim leaders, International Visitors, American diplomats, and Embassy employees. On September 28, 2007, about 20 Muslim women gathered at the residence of the Deputy Director of the American Cultural Center, Mrs Etta Touré for an Iftaar Dinner.
The event at the DCM’s started with the traditional meal, which was shared by both the Muslim leaders and guests from the Embassy to break the fast. This was followed by a prayer session led by the President of the High Council of Imams. Addressing the gathering, the DCM highlighted the importance of Ramadan in the United States. She said: "In the United States, during the holy month of Ramadan American Islamic groups and associations are reaching out to their non-Muslim neighbors and colleagues at work, inviting them to learn more about the values of Islam."
The President of the High Council of Imams and the President of the National Islamic Council used the opportunity to underline the ideal of Islam, which "champions the culture of tolerance and respect for different beliefs particularly in Cote d’Ivoire."
One of the IV returnees attending the dinner spoke about the freedom that people enjoy in the United States. Regarding lessons he learned during his visit to the United States, the IV returnee said: "Beyond their traditional role of shaping the moral behavior and attitude of people in the society, religious groups – especially Muslims in the United States – are mostly involved in social activities aimed at resolving problems facing their communities."
Ambassador Nesbitt, who rounded off the dinner, also emphasized the important role of Muslim in the United States. She looked forward of working closely with the Ivoirian Muslim Community to buttress the already strong relations between the Embassy and the Muslims.
Earlier on September 28, 2007, women Muslims, who gathered at Mrs Touré’s residence said: "We’ve been working with the American Embassy and we’re ready to continue this relationship." The dinner offered Mrs Touré the opportunity to reach out to the Embassy key contacts among the Muslim women.
