WASHINGTON, Oct 23: The United States wants to be a partner of the Muslim community in bringing peace and prosperity to the world, US Undersecretary of State Karen Hughes told an Eid gathering near Washington on Monday.

We know that the people want to live in peace and we want to be their partner in bringing about that peace, she said.

America’s top diplomat for bridging differences with the Islamic world was a guest speaker at a large Eid gathering, which brought together hundreds of Muslims of all ethnic backgrounds.

A last minute confirmation that the moon was sighted in New York on Sunday evening enabled Muslims across America to celebrate Eid on the same day after many years. Eid prayers were held at dozens of places in and around Washington, each place holding at least three prayers to accommodate the worshippers.

Ms Hughes, when asked what would be her message to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan who have been victims of incessant violence, said: “I wish for them a reduction in violence and the strengthening of the institutions of governance and civic society so that they are able to live in peace.”

She said bringing peace to these war-ravaged nations was America’s goal and “we are very concerned about the increase in sectarian violence and suicide attacks.”