US embassy cable - 05DJIBOUTI1096

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001096 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, OPRC, SCUL, KPAO, DJ 
SUBJECT: POST REACHES OUT WITH RAMADAN 
ACTIVITIES 
 
1. (U) SUMMARY: Embassy Djibouti sponsored a football 
tournament for youth, a donation to needy families and four Iftaars 
(fast breakings) in honor of the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan. 
PD also distributed President Bush's Ramadan messages to media 
outlets and various government officials who subscribe to 
Washington File. 
END SUMMARY 
 
2. (U) The Embassy's Ramadan programming kicked-off with a 
soccer tournament for youth in conjunction with Hadj Dideh, a 
neighborhood youth center. These Ramadan tournaments are a 
local tradition much beloved by the children in the local 
neighborhoods. Public Diplomacy provided t-shirts (with the 
Embassy logo on the front and Tournoi de Ramadan 2005 on the 
back) and beverages and prizes for about 225 kids in three age 
divisions (boys and girls aged 8-18). The DCM and PD officer 
attended the opening and were warmly received by both players 
and neighborhood leaders. The Ambassador will give tournament 
awards the last week of November. 
 
3. (U) In addition, the Embassy sponsored 150 needy families for 
Ramadan in conjunction with Al Biri, a Muslim social service 
organization. Post provided staples for the month of Ramadan 
through a grant to Al Biri. Cost of the grant was about $10,000 and 
goods included rice, flour, oil, canned milk, dates and powdered 
juice for the entire month. On October 16 the Ambassador attended 
a ceremony at Al Biri and addressed some of the benefiting 
families. The event was well-covered by both local television and 
print media, including the Ambassador's address, which was given 
in Arabic and translated into Somali. See para 5 for the English 
text. 
 
4. (U) The Ambassador hosted three Iftaars, one for male 
Djiboutian Ministers, Arab ambassadors, male business people and 
military. A second was for influential women. A third is for 
Islamic Imams, male judges and ministers and the Executive 
Secretary of IGAD. The Public Diplomacy Officer hosted a mixed- 
 
SIPDIS 
gender Iftaar for International Visitors alumni.  They served as an 
excellent opportunity to bring contacts together and to introduce 
influential community members to some of the new staff at 
Embassy Djibouti. Iftaar attendees expressed their gratitude for the 
consideration the Embassy demonstrated by organizing events for 
Ramadan and some have reciprocated with similar invitations for 
Embassy staff. 
 
5. (U) Text of Ambassador's speech at Al Biri on Sunday, October 
16, 2005 in honor of Ramadan donations. 
Start Text: 
 
From a very young age Americans are taught the importance of 
sharing their blessings with those less fortunate and that service to 
others is the cornerstone of a strong community and a fulfilling 
life. These values are also reflected in the Islamic observance of 
Ramadan, and we show our respect for and dedication to them by 
being here today. 
 
Throughout our history, America has benefited from the success 
and contributions of people of many different faiths. Last week 
President Bush sent greetings to all those observing Ramadan. In 
his message, he noted the many ways American citizens of Muslim 
faith have helped make the United States a stronger, more hopeful 
place through their faith, generosity and compassion. We are proud 
that all Americans, no matter their race, religion or ethnicity, can 
share these values. 
 
At the American Embassy we saw these values reflected in Al 
Biri's dedication to those in Djibouti who most need help. I'd like 
to take this opportunity to say that we value your efforts. We'd also 
like to thank you for helping us identify and assist those in need. 
This ceremony today is a symbol of what two groups with the 
common goal of community service can accomplish together. 
Thank you for your cooperation. Thank you for your dedication. 
Thank you for your compassion for others. Ramadan karim. 
 
End text. 
 
RADSDALE