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United States President George W Bush met Sikh leaders at the White House on Wednesday and expressed sympathy for what they had suffered in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Referring to the killing of Sikh petrol pump owner Balbir Singh Sodhi, Bush said, "An American Sikh has been killed, unjustly so. These citizens bring their hearts with them, and I can assure you that our government will do everything to bring the culprit to justice. We will respect the values that made our country so different and unique."
Sodhi was killed in Mesa, Arizona, at his gas station by an assailant, who was later arrested and charged with murder.
Preaching tolerance, the president said, "We're all Americans, bound together by common ideals and values," Bush said.
Welcoming the leaders, Bush said, "It's my honour to welcome you to the Roosevelt Room and the White House to discuss our common commitment to make sure that every American is treated with respect and dignity."
Later, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said, "The American Sikh community has been beset with occasional violence and it is another reminder about the need for Americans to honour our constitutional principles in respecting all Americans and all visitors to our country."
Fleischer said Bush's meeting with the Sikhs was "a reminder to the American people of the importance of waging a battle against intolerance and prejudice in this country as we proceed with this fight against terrorism".
Later, Bush met Muslim leaders and said he was "honoured" to welcome them to the White House.
He contrasted the teachings of Islam, which he said were "of peace and good", with the Al Qaeda organisation, which he described as "an organisation based upon hate and evil".
He said the outpouring of support for the US following the September 11 terrorist attacks "has come from all corners of the country, including many members of the Muslim faith. And for that I am grateful".
The Attack on America: The Complete Coverage
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