The Public Affairs Section hosted a live viewing of President Obama’s historic June 4, 2009 “New Beginning” speech from Cairo at the American Corner located at Near East University

The Public Affairs Section hosted a live viewing of President Obama’s historic June 4, 2009 “New Beginning” speech from Cairo at the American Corner located at Near East University (NEU). American Corner NEU is located in the predominantly Turkish-Cypriot community in the northern part of Cyprus.

Along with international-relations students from NEU, a group of visiting U.S. scholars from Northern Illinois University, led by Professor J.D. Bowers, took the opportunity to listen to President Obama’s message, seeking “a new beginning between the United States and the Muslim world based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.” In addition to emphasizing the importance of freedom of religion, the President explained how Islam has always been a part of the story of America, and how since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States.

After the President’s speech, Dr. Bowers and Public Affairs Officer James Ellickson-Brown led a discussion, during which the U.S. and Cypriot students shared their views. Several students commented on the importance of the speech in improving the U.S.’s relations with Muslim communities throughout the world.

Read the transcript of the President's speech | Ελληνικά -pdf | Türkçe - pdf
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