Farah Pandith sworn as first US Spl Rep to Muslim Communities

WASHINGTON: Farah Pandith, an Indian- American, has been formally sworn in as the first US Special Representative to Muslim communities as part of the Obama Administration's efforts to reach out to the Islamic world.

At a ceremony held at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department, Farah's mother held the Quran on which she took the oath administered by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday.

41-year-old Pandith, whose family migrated from Jammu and Kashmir in the late 1960s, is the first Special Representative to Muslim Communities of the United States.

Wishing Pandith success in her new job, Clinton said she was best suitable in this position. "It is apparent now more than ever that we have to do more to promote dialogue and diplomacy, and Farah will play a key role in that process for us," she said.

Farah was joined by her brother, her aunt, and her cousin.

This appointment, Clinton said could not have come at a more opportune time.

"As President Barack Obama said in Cairo and Ankara, our nation seeks a new beginning with Muslims around the world, a relationship based on mutual interest and mutual respect.