U.S. Consul General Meets Christian Alliance Leadership in Ankawa, Reaffirms Support for Minority Rights
The U.S. Consul General reaffirmed Washington’s support for religious minorities in the Kurdistan Region, reiterating America’s commitment to protecting the rights of Christians, Yazidis, and all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq and Kurdistan.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United States Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Steve Bitner, paid an official visit on Tuesday, to the headquarters of the Political Committee of the Christian Alliance in Ankawa. The meeting was hosted by Mr. Jinan Jabbar, head of the Committee, alongside senior members representing various Christian political and civic organizations.
At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Jabbar extended a warm welcome to the Consul General and his accompanying delegation, thanking the U.S. Consulate for its continued engagement with the Christian communities—namely, the Chaldeans, Syriacs, Assyrians, and Armenians.
Jabbar also provided an overview of the current status of Christians in Kurdistan Region and Iraq, highlighting ongoing challenges and proposing solutions to ensure their continued presence in their ancestral homeland.
The U.S. Consul General reaffirmed Washington’s support for religious minorities in the Kurdistan Region. He expressed appreciation for the discussion and reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States—both its government and people—to safeguarding the rights of Christians, Yazidis, and all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The meeting proceeded with a productive dialogue between members of the Christian Alliance and the U.S. delegation. Discussions focused on specific concerns of the Christian community as well as broader regional developments.
Jabbar also praised the recent official visit of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to Washington, emphasizing its importance in advancing minority protections.
“The recent visit of the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region to Washington, where he met with the U.S. Secretary of State and held important discussions on the protection of minority rights.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Alliance expressed its appreciation to the American government and people for their longstanding support.
“We expressed deep gratitude to the American people and government, offering special thanks to the Consul General and his team, the Secretary of State, and members of Congress—especially Representatives Hameedah, Mast, Slotkin, and Wilson—for their continued support of the just demands of the Christian community.”
As a symbolic gesture, the Christian Alliance presented the U.S. Consul General with two paintings, each reflecting the resilience and sacrifice of the Christian people and their homeland.
The encounter underscored the Kurdistan Region’s ongoing role as a safe haven for religious minorities and its importance as a partner in promoting religious freedom and democratic engagement across Iraq.
