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US President Barack Obama’s stirring speech from Cairo to Muslims around the world has raised hopes among Fiji’s Muslim community of closer co-operation between the United States and the Arab world.
About 40 members of Fiji’s Muslim community gathered in the US embassy in Suva today to watch a replay of Obama’s speech.
Among them was Fiji Muslim League vice-president Abdul Qayyum Khan, whose comment after watching the speech was “we can trust this man”.
“I see him as a peacemaker. There is hope and I trust Obama will show us the way,” said Khan.
Obama spoke on issues ranging from violent extremism, Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world, the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons, democracy, women’s rights and economic development and opportunity.
“We’re forging service projects in America to bring together Christians, Muslims and Jews. That’s why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s interfaith dialogue and Turkey’s Alliance of Civilization. Around the world, we can dialogue into interfaith service, so bridges between people lead to action, whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.”
The US has also promised to increase scholarships to the Muslim world and increase assistance especially in the areas of education and women.
Fiji Council of Social Services director, Hassan Khan welcomed the move towards interfaith services and increased assistance.
“What is needed now is for the Muslims to deliver. People can now partner the US and work with, however we will have to see that it is a partnership and we do not become passive receivers of such deals” said Khan.
“Distinct rights of distinct religions must be respected,” said the director of Fiji’s Financial Intelligence Unit, Razim Buksh, who was also present at the gathering.
