![Iranian University Produces API of Favipiravir Drug Effective in Treatment of Coronavirus Disease](/files/en/news/2020/4/18/29816_354.jpg)
Apparently, the top US diplomat was asked by the State Department's Office of
Religion and Global Affairs to host a reception for Eid al-Fitr day, on which
Muslims celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Reuters reported Friday.
All US state secretaries have hosted Ramadan events at the department since
1999, the year then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright held the first event.
A department spokesman said a Ramadan event was still possible in future.
"We are still exploring possible options for observance of Eid al-Fitr, which
marks the end of the month of Ramadan. US ambassadors are encouraged to
celebrate Ramadan through a variety of activities, which are held annually at
missions around the world,” he told Reuters.
Muslim groups in Washington, including the Muslim Public Affairs Council, said
they had not received any invitations from the department for an event.
"If they're having one, we haven't been invited," said a spokeswoman for the
council.
On Friday, Tillerson marked the beginning of Ramadan in a statement, describing
it as "a month of reverence, generosity, and self-reflection."
US President Donald Trump also issued a statement, wishing "all Muslims a joyful
Ramadan.”
However, the American head of state’s message was laced with warnings against
terror and violence, even mentioning the recent bombing at a concert in the
British city of Manchester.
Trump’s obsession with terrorism in his Ramadan message set him apart from his
predecessors.
For example, former US President George W. Bush did not even mention the word
"terror” in his Ramadan message two months after the September 11, 2001 terror
attacks in New York.
Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric both before and after presidency has stirred
outrage in the Islamic world.
SOURCE: ALALAM