Story highlights The first lady was speaking at an event marking Nowruz

She didn't specifically reference the rancorous Republican primary contest

Washington (CNN) First lady Michelle Obama lauded diversity and immigration while shunning harmful political language during an event marking the Persian New Year Wednesday.

"Right now, when we're hearing so much hateful and disturbing rhetoric, it is so important to remember that our diversity has been and will always be our greatest source of strength and pride here in the United States," said Obama, who also highlighted her attempts to create an inclusive White House.

The first lady was speaking at an event marking Nowruz, a festival heralding the arrival of spring that's celebrated in Iran and other parts of Central and Western Asia. She didn't specifically reference the rancorous Republican primary contest, but she didn't put forth an alternative example of harmful political rhetoric, either.

And in her remarks, Obama didn't venture nearly as far as her husband has into the GOP race. President Barack Obama most recently commented on the fight Tuesday, saying Republican front-runner Donald Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz were causing harm to the United States.

He singled out Cruz for what he called "draconian" proposals on immigration, saying he's faced queries from world leaders about the state of U.S. politics.

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