US VP vows to protect persecuted Christians in Iraq
By Eno Adeogun
US Vice President Mike Pence has vowed President Donald Trump’s administration will protect persecuted Christians in Iraq.
According to a White House statement, Mike Pence spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi by telephone to discuss the “upcoming May elections in Iraq, reports of Iran attempting to meddle in Iraq’s election and government formation, and the need to ensure free and fair elections that include Iraq’s citizens displaced by the fight against ISIS”.
In a tweet, Mr Pence also gave details about the conversation
“Spoke [with] Iraq PM @HaiderAlAbadi about our Admin’s commitment to PROTECT persecuted Christians & religious minorities in Iraq & the Middle East. Also congratulated PM on Iraqi Sec Forces success against ISIS & highlighted the partnership [between] them & US military & coalition partners,” he tweeted.
Both leaders expressed looking forward to increased trade and economic ties between Iraq and the United States.
The US and UK invaded Iraq 20 years ago on 20th March and nearly seven years since the official end of the Iraq war, the number of US military personnel stationed in the country continues to steadily decline.
However, Christian charities have warned the future of Iraqi Christians remains uncertain despite the Iraqi government declaring victory in the war against so-called Islamic State (IS).
https://www.premier.org.uk/News/World/US-VP-vows-to-protect-persecuted-Christians-in-Iraq