US urges Iraq protect minorities

WASHINGTON, Aug 1 (KUNA) -- A senior US official has urged the Iraqi Government to take all possible action to safeguard "vulnerable communities" namely the Christians.
This came in a statement released by the White House after Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes met, late on Thursday, with the Iraqi Chaldean and Assyrian community leaders to discuss the security situation in Iraq and its effects on Christian and other minority populations.
"Mr. Rhodes appreciated hearing the vital perspectives of these important communities regarding the difficulties facing Iraq's Christians," said a statement from the White House.
He condemned the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's (ISIL) attack on Christian and other minority communities in northern Iraq and the group's destruction of religious sites.
Rhodes, "Emphasized that the United States continues to urge Iraq's leaders to form an inclusive government that can address the rights and legitimate concerns of all of Iraq's diverse communities, including Iraq's Christians," affirmed the statement. "Only then can Iraq successfully and sustainably confront the security and humanitarian challenges all of its citizens face in the common fight against ISIL." The official noted, "That we encourage government officials in Baghdad and Irbil to take all possible measures to assist Iraq's vulnerable populations, and agreed that this issue demands the continued attention of the international community." The US reiterated that it, "remains committed to helping all of Iraq's diverse communities, including Christians, Sabean-Mandaeans, Shabak, and Yezidis."(end) ak.rk