RIYADH, 10 October 2007 — US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ford M. Fraker termed the US House of Representatives resolution recognizing Ramadan and expressing the deepest respect to Muslims in the United States as “historic”.

The resolution was adopted in the House by a vote of 376-0 last week for the first time.

“We welcome the resolution from the US House of Representatives recognizing the holy month of Ramadan and expressing respect to Muslims,” said Fraker. “This message of friendship is particularly appropriate here, the home of Islam’s two holiest mosques.”

The American envoy noted that “this resolution confirms that Congress and the American people are fully supportive of these efforts.”

The resolution, which acknowledges the importance of Muslims in America, is the first of its kind, introduced by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) and co-sponsored by 30 legislators.

The resolution was strongly backed by Democrat Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, the first Muslim to be elected to US Congress.

Fraker underscored the US Embassy’s community outreach efforts, including hosting iftar meals during Ramadan.

“Moreover, we hosted Imam Muhammad Bashar Arafat, who spoke to Saudi audiences about Muslim life in America and shared his peaceful messages of cooperation and dialogue between cultures,” he said.

“We would like to take this opportunity to wish your readers Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak,” he added.

A statement posted at the US Embassy website said that US President George W. Bush has expressed happiness on the adoption of this resolution.

Bush said that the Islamic religion “is a great religion that preaches peace,” and that Americans are free “to worship any way they see fit.”

The author of the bill, Rep. Johnson, told the House when debating about the bill that “the Muslim American community contributes to the vibrant growth of American society and culture. Muslim Americans play a significant role in America’s political process, economic growth, scientific development, religious tolerance, law enforcement and homeland security.”

Ellison told legislators that as a Muslim observing Ramadan, “I can tell you it is a time of reflection, a time of renewal and regeneration,” adding, “it’s important to reassess your life, to contemplate your role in society and to benefit your neighbor.”

He described a joint breakfast held in this spirit by his mosque and Temple Israel in Minneapolis on the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur that drew 160 people. The resolution reiterates support for American Muslims in the face of hate crimes.