*EPF502 03/10/00
Text: President Clinton's Message to Muslims Celebrating Eid al-Adha
(Pilgrimage constitutes world's most diverse peaceful assembly) (260)

President Clinton March 10 sent "Warm greetings to Muslims across the United States and around the world as you celebrate Eid al-Adha and join in spirit with the millions gathered in Mecca to perform their sacred duty."

The four-day Muslim "Feast of Sacrifice," Eid Al-Adha, begins March 16.

"The Pilgrimage provides striking proof that, by building on the strong foundations of mutual respect and tolerance, we can achieve peace and reconciliation in our world," the President said.

Following is the White House text of the President's message:

(begin text)

March 10, 2000

Warm greetings to Muslims across the United States and around the world as you celebrate Eid al-Adha and join in spirit with the millions gathered in Mecca to perform their sacred duty.

Beyond its profound religious significance to Muslims, this annual Pilgrimage constitutes the world's most diverse peaceful assembly. The variety of nations and cultures represented by those who gather in Mecca each year is a powerful reminder that ethnic differences need not divide us when we share common purposes and values. And the Pilgrimage provides striking proof that, by building on the strong foundations of mutual respect and tolerance, we can achieve peace and reconciliation in our world.

May this year's Eid al-Adha bring tranquility, peace, and joy to Muslims everywhere.

Bill Clinton

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: usinfo.state.gov)
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