April 16, 1982
The President today met with six Ambassadors delegated by the Islamic countries represented in
Washington. On this occasion, he expressed his deep personal sorrow and that of all Americans
over last Sunday's violence at the hands of a deranged individual in an area sacred to three of the
world's great religions.
The President expressed his sympathy with the concern of the Islamic world over the disruption of
the tranquility of one of its most holy shrines. This concern is shared by the members of all faiths.
He reiterated his conviction that the peace of the holy places of Jerusalem must be maintained and
confirmed the dedication of the United States to encouraging the conditions necessary for the
well-being of all those who draw their spiritual inspiration from that city.
The President called upon all the governments and peoples of the Middle East to work to
decrease tensions in the area and prevent further acts of violence and loss of life.
The six Ambassadors were: Omer Salih Eissa, Sudanese Ambassador to the United States, Ali
Bengelloun, Moroccan Ambassador to the United States, Faisal Alhegelan, Saudi Arabian
Ambassador to the United States, Ejaz Azim, Pakistani Ambassador to the United States, Azraai
Zain, Malaysian Ambassador to the United States, and Andre Wright, Niger Ambassador to the
United States.