Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker Travels to Erbil and Abu Dhabi
Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker Travels to Erbil and Abu Dhabi
01/11/2020 10:54 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker traveled to Erbil and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) January 9 and 10 to discuss recent incendiary Iranian actions in the region that necessitated President Trump’s decision to take defensive action to protect American lives. In each of his meetings, the Assistant Secretary made clear that the United States does not seek war and remains committed to de-escalation. He emphasized that the Coalition military presence in Iraq was solely aimed at continuing the fight against ISIS. The Assistant Secretary also discussed the reformist protests and their legitimate demands in the face of Iran-ordered attempts to suppress peaceful protests through lethal violence, and thanked the Iraqi, Kurdish, and Emirati people for their support and enduring friendship.