Clinton Wishes Muslims Peaceful Eid al-Fitr

Top U.S. diplomat Hillary Clinton wished Muslims well for the feast of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan on Sunday in many countries.

"As we mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer for Muslims around the world, I am delighted to wish all Muslims a peaceful and joyous Eid al-Fitr,"Clinton said in a statement.

"To honor this special time, Muslims in the United States and throughout the world will gather for Eid celebrations according to their rich and diverse traditions, celebrating the shared values of family, charity and community."

Clinton, who hosts an iftar dinner marking the end of Ramadan's daily fast each year, said that "in times of change and uncertainty, the celebration of these common values brings us together and emphasizes the importance of greater cooperation and cross-cultural understanding."

"As we celebrate this year's event, we will honor the contributions of individuals who work to further dialogue, a shared vision and mutual respect between the United States and Muslim communities around the world so that together we may forge a new era of understanding and cooperation among all people," the secretary of state added.

She wished all Muslims "Eid mubarak" (happy holiday).

In the United States, Saturday was considered the 30th and final day of the dawn-to-dusk month of fasting this year, and Sunday marked the start of the feast.

Religious authorities determine the start and end dates of Ramadan in different countries based on sightings of the crescent moon marking the new lunar month.