[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 5 (Monday, February 2, 1998)]
[Pages 155-156]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Videotaped Remarks on Id al-Fitr

January 29, 1998

    On behalf of all Americans, I want to extend my personal greetings 
to the entire Muslim community in the United States and around the world 
as you celebrate the Id al-Fitr.
    This week marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It's a time 
for rejoicing and celebration, a time of family and community. It is 
also a time for reflection and for recommitting ourselves to the values 
of tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding. In a world where many 
Muslims suffer the terrible consequences of war, poverty, and unrest, we 
must renew our efforts to resolve conflicts and remove the causes of 
strife.
    The United States is determined to do all it can to bring a just, 
lasting, and comprehensive peace to the Middle East. As I told Chairman 
Arafat, Palestinians should be allowed to realize their aspirations to 
live as a free people, and Israelis should be able to live in security, 
recognized by all their neighbors. Our goal is to help the people of the 
region end this age-old conflict and to give their children the future 
of hope and promise they deserve.
    Today our sympathies are with the people of Algeria and Afghanistan, 
who have endured too much suffering. And we pray that a time of healing 
will soon come for them. We are also deeply concerned by the hardships 
that afflict the people of Iraq, and we will continue working within the 
United Nations so that they receive the food and medicine they need.

[[Page 156]]

    To the people of Iran, I would like to say that the United States 
regrets the estrangement of our two nations. Iran is an important 
country with a rich and ancient cultural heritage of which Iranians are 
justifiably proud. We have real differences with some Iranian policies, 
but I believe these are not insurmountable. I hope that we have more 
exchanges between our peoples and that the day will soon come when we 
can enjoy once again good relations with Iran.
    Let me say to the Muslims of South Asia, I look forward to visiting 
your region later this year and to deepening the bonds between the 
United States and the peoples of the subcontinent.
    On this occasion, let us rekindle our commitment to the cause of 
peace among all the peoples of the Earth. If we are dedicated in our 
belief and constant in our labor, we can build a better future, one of 
cooperation, understanding, and compassion for ourselves and for 
generations to come.
    As the new moon ushers in this holy celebration, let me say to all 
who follow the faith of Islam: As-Salaamu alaykum. May peace be with 
you, and may God grant you health and prosperity, now and in the years 
ahead.

Note: These remarks were videotaped at approximately 6 p.m. on January 
23 in the Cabinet Room at the White House for later broadcast on the 
U.S. Information Agency Worldnet. They were released by the Office of 
the Press Secretary on January 29.