Consulate staff attend celebration of President Obama’s speech to the Muslim world

5 June 2009: Calgary

Acting Consul General Daniel Fennell and PA Representative Michelle Cook were invited to attend a celebration of President Obama's speech in Cairo held by the Calgary Muslim community on June 5 as part of its regular Friday afternoon prayers. "This is a new beginning and the right start by the American administration," Imam Syed Soharwardy of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada told those assembled. Fennell was also invited to address the congregation about the President's historic speech. He said, "As President Obama said in Cairo, the United States has among its diverse population Muslim citizens who have won Nobel awards, served in our congress, excelled on our sports fields, and even lifted the Olympic torch. Our future is based on our shared goals to find solutions, and to build a better world for all of our children. This goal will be achieved through partnership, and with mutual respect."