US, ISAF greet Afghans on Eidul Fitr

KABUL on celebrating the religious festival of Eidul Fitr.

US Ambassador to Afghanistan, James Cunningham, on behalf of the American people sent warm greetings to the people of Afghanistan on celebrating Eid ul-Fitr, which he hoped would bring a renewed determination for an Afghan future marked by hope and optimism.

“I want to extend our most sincere condolences and prayers to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded in the recent wave of terrorist attacks throughout Afghanistan,” Cunningham said in the message.

He said the terrorists had demonstrated their utter disregard for their fellow Afghans, and for the sanctity of the holy month of Ramazan by targeting Muslim civilians.

At an Iftar at the White House last week, US President Obama said, “during Ramazan, we see the traditions that are shared by many faiths: Believers engaged in prayer and fasting, in humble devotion to God…People of different faiths coming together, mindful of our obligations to one another.”

“The three-day festival marks a time when Muslims around the world. These are Islamic values, but also values we hold dear as Americans. We know there is more that unites peoples of faith than divides us.”

Meanwhile, ISAF commander in Afghanistan US Gen. John Allen greeted Afghans on behalf of all the alliance members. “I admire the commitment, devotion, and bonds of community symbolized by Ramazan. I am reminded every day of the resilience of the Afghan people,” he said in the message.

He said the Afghan people had emerged stronger, with the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) becoming a capable and professional force of more than 300,000 defenders of Afghan sovereignty. “Soon, the majority of the population will live in areas under Afghan security lead – legitimate Afghan government forces are protecting the Afghan people,” Gen. Allen said.

He said the Afghan government continued to extend governance, rule of law and access to justice, health, throughout the land.

“The Afghan people are rejecting the cruelty and intimidation of the insurgents. And thousands of insurgents have chosen to renounce their lives of violence to return home, where they find honor and dignity in their communities,” he said.

pr/ma

Visits: 0