Inaugural Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. JANUARY 20, 2021 • SPEECHES AND REMARKS The United States Capitol 11:52 AM EST THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans. This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day …
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Consul General Rob Waller had the pleasure of virtually meeting with Salahaddin University’s President Dr. Jawhar Fattah Saeed and Dr. Isam Abdullah. They discussed cooperation with U.S. universities, academic exchanges, and the institution’s important plans for the upcoming year.
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The U.S. Consul General in Erbil Steve Fagin met virtually with Dr. Ridha Hassan Hussein, President of Sulaimaniya University and students to discuss future academic collaboration, the impact of COVID19 and recent activities organized by the American Corner in Sulaimaniya. Consul General Fagin encouraged the university students and staff to apply for exchange programs sponsored …
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Consul General Steve Fagin participated in a Skype chat with KRG’s Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs Deputy Director of General Medical Affairs, Dr. Rebin Zikhani to learn how he is working to build awareness around combatting COVID-19 in the IKR. Dr. Zikhani received his master’s degree from Marywood University in the United States. The U.S. stands with all of …
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Location: Iraq Event: Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, the U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to heed the January 2020 Travel Advisory and depart Iraq immediately. U.S. citizens should depart via airline while possible, and failing that, to other countries via land. Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound, all public consular operations …
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On Wednesday, Ambassador Tueller spoke at the Middle East Research Institute’s 2019 Forum, noting: “State-building is about strengthening people—their capabilities and knowledge, but also their ability to address problems locally for the Iraqi people. It certainly requires political will at the highest levels of government leadership, setting processes in motion through laws and policies, and …
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Following the completion of a U.S.-funded, 18-month demining project, the Nineveh provincial government assumed control of the Mosul International Airport during a turnover ceremony on November 5. Demining teams from Janus, TetraTech, and local Iraqi partner Al Fahad carried out the project from April 2018 to October this year. Together, the contractors cleared more than …
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Ambassador Tueller visited the Sheikhan IDP camp and met with camp management and residents. After a walking tour, Ambassador Tueller met with families at the camp to reaffirm U.S. commitment to helping #Yezidis recover from the ISIS genocide. In addition to funding #UNHCR and #UNICEF to provide assistance to Yezidi IDPs, State PRM is also …
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At the U.S. Embassy, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Health and Environment, Dr. Kamaran Ali Hassan, and the Director General of the Directorate of Mine Action, Engineer Khaled Rashaad, met with Deputy Chief of Mission Joey Hood and Embassy Staff to discuss issues of demining in the liberated areas. The United States is the …
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During his first week in Baghdad, Ambassador Tueller welcomed the opportunity to meet with women Iraqi Parliamentarians to discuss a variety of issues including important legislative priorities such as Yezidi women’s survivor legislation, domestic violence legislation, and minority protection legislation. Ambassador Tueller also discussed the need to advance women in leadership positions in Iraq and …
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On June 9, 2019, Ambassador Matthew H. Tueller presented his credentials to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq to President Barham Salih and Foreign Minister Mohamed Alhakim. Ambassador Tueller thanked President Salih and Minister Alhakim for their warm reception and commented, “The United States is committed to our Strategic Framework Agreement which defines our bilateral …
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On Saturday, Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood met with Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako at the headquarters of the Chaldean Patriarchate at Al-Mansour district in Baghdad. Chargé Hood stressed the U.S. commitment to Iraq as one of America’s most important and strategic partners in the region and reiterated the U.S. commitment to helping Christians and other components …
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Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood met with Federal Police Commander General Raed Shakir Jawdat in Baghdad and stressed the U.S. commitment to Iraq as one of America’s most important and strategic partners in the region and the importance of a strong, stable and sovereign Iraqi government. Hood thanked General Jawdat and said the U.S. was fully …
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U.S. Embassy, Baghdad Chargé d ‘Affair, Joey Hood celebrated Earth Day with students from a dozen Access English Microscholarship programs. Accompanied by the English Languages Officer Thomas Santos, Mr. Hood stressed the importance of education, focusing on the opportunities for exchange through ECA programs. The Access English Microscholarship students celebrated Earth Day in a country-wide, …
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A delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives’ Armed Services Committee visited Baghdad to discuss U.S.-Iraq relations. Representatives John Garamendi of California, Deb Haaland of New Mexico, and Veronica Escobar of Texas, met with Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi and Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi. They discussed the importance of the U.S.-Iraq relationship and the future of …
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Chargé d’affaires Joey Hood, Special Representative for Minority Assistance Programs Max Primorac, and representatives of CJTF were honored to join the UN Investigative Team for the Accountability on Da’esh (UNITAD) in a solemn ceremony commencing its support to the Iraqi Government as they begin exhumations of mass graves located in the village of Kocho, Sinjar …
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The U.S. Embassy was proud to participate in the 4th Annual Conference on Combating Daesh Propaganda and Ideology hosted by the Iraqi Government’s National Psychological Operations Cell. U.S. Chargé d’affaires in Baghdad Joey Hood: The battlefield defeat of Daesh does not mean the end of the threat it poses or its ideology….Yes, we should acknowledge …
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Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood with visiting Special Advisor for Global Youth Issues Andy Rabens hosted 60 alumni of the U.S. funded Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP). The gathering was a chance to celebrate a traditional U.S. Thanksgiving dinner and reconnect with an amazing group of Iraqi high school and college students. Happy Thanksgiving from …
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The Cultural Affairs Office at the U.S. Embassy hosted Iraqi alumni of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program to celebrate the program’s 40th anniversary. The alumni had the opportunity to connect with each other and with program managers at the Embassy. They also shared stories about their program experience and post-Humphrey accomplishments. The Hubert H. …
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The U.S. Consulate General Erbil hosted a training workshop for American Corner staff engaged in supporting locations throughout #Iraq . Ms. Sommers Pierce, Director of American Spaces-Vienna and regional public engagement specialist, led the workshop. Ten participants representing American Corner locations in #Baghdad , #Duhok , #Sulaimaniya , #Erbil , and #Najaf , attended and were joined by special guests from the #Iraqi Ministry of Culture. …
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Following through on Ambassador Silliman’s recent announcement, the U.S. Embassy hosted key members from the international community who are active in the Basrah water crisis response. DCM Joey Hood opened the event noting, “Many of the solutions to address this crisis will take long-term planning and coordination throughout all levels of government, and the U.S. …
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Remember our #MyIraq photo contest that you participated in by sending photographs of Iraq and voting for the best pictures? On September 25th, the U.S. Embassy held another exhibit showcasing the top 22 photos at the Central Library of the University of Baghdad. Nearly 40 visitors attended the event including the embassy alumni from the government, …
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Fact-checking is vital for a social media environment clean from misinformation! The U.S. Embassy sponsored a visiting U.S. expert who hosted a series of workshops for journalists and Iraqi youth in (Erbil, Dohuk, Al Sulaimaniyah and Baghdad) that covered advanced social media and digital tools. Participants engaged in digital verification exercises and received instruction on …
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Ambassador Silliman met with Syriac Catholic Archbishop Peter Mushi during his recent visit to Erbil and discussed safeguarding minority communities in the Ninewa Plain.
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Embassy officials reached out to young Iraqis at the American Corner recently in order to listen to their concerns about the current state of affairs in Iraq, and to hear their thoughts about what direction they would like to see Iraq taking into the future.
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“I’m pleased to announce today the department is providing an additional $17 million of additional demining efforts in the Nineveh region in Iraq. This is on top of the 90 million we have provided countrywide in this year alone. The additional funding will help us make more progress in clearing mines from areas with a …
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At the American Chamber of Commerce-Iraq quarterly meeting in Baghdad July 25, Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood urged the government of Iraq to take advantage of “win-win” business deals that would bring American innovation and technology to the Iraqi market.
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Recently the Embassy’s Regional English Language Officer met with 26 graduates of three different English language programs: American English Webinars, American English -Teacher courses and the English Language Specialist Program, at the Information Resource Center at University of Baghdad. He handed out the certificates and books to the graduates and discussed the future of the …
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U.S. water conservation expert Dr. Barney Austin met with NGOs in Baghdad last week to discuss how they can use activism to help focus citizen and government efforts to conserve water. He shared examples of how individual citizens, when working cooperatively, can help to better manage the use and conservation of water. Dr. Austin’s visit …
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The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was proud to celebrate World Press Freedom Day alongside the National Union of Iraqi Journalists, the Iraqi Women Journalists Forum, and the Journalistic Freedom Observatory in a special event at The Station on May 3. We hosted two discussion panels on the topic of “War Correspondents” and “The Role of …
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Your Excellency Qasim al-Fahdawi, Dr. Jafar, distinguished panel members and guests, it is a true pleasure to be here today to address this impressive group of leaders and energy experts. When I addressed this forum last year, I spoke about the need for economic reform. I said that Iraq needed a new economic paradigm, based …
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Awesome IYLEP reunion this weekend in Erbil! Great to see 208 IYLEP Alumni gathered together to share their past experiences and current projects.
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The Ambassador sat down with journalists to discuss upcoming elections, stabilization projects, and economic investment, among other topics.
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The Ambassador and the Acting Consul General visited Nassiriya, in Dhi Qar province, where they conducted meetings with the Governor, business leaders, and representatives from several minority groups in the province. They also toured the relic Mesopotamian landscapes of the Ziggurat of Ur, accompanied by a team of Iraqi and American archaeologists, and discovered some …
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Ambassador and Mrs. Silliman, along with other US Embassy staff members, visited Baghdad Mall yesterday. Thanks to our hosts, CEO Ammar Alkhafaji, Managing Director Anwer Abdul Lateef, and Marketing Director Jamal Alashi. “There is a huge opportunity for U.S. companies and franchises such as those here at Baghdad Mall – Hardee’s, Skechers, Nestle Toll House …
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U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan and Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Nizar Khairallah met in Baghdad and convened the fifth meeting of the U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee. Together, they affirmed the significant progress we have made in our bilateral relationship since our two nations signed the Strategic Framework Agreement in 2008. The important …
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During his meeting with Prime Minister Abadi, Deputy Secretary Sullivan congratulated him and the Iraqi people on the bravery of the Iraqi Security Forces and their successful liberation of Iraqi territory from ISIS. The United States will continue to work with the Government of Iraq to ensure the scourge of ISIS is never repeated and …
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Deputy Chief of Mission Joey Hood paid tribute to the martyrs of the Iraqi Federal Police during a meeting with Federal Police Commander sLTG Raad Shaker Jawdit on January 25, and pledged to continue to deepen the partnership between the United States and Iraq.
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The U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman attended the Iraq Army Day commemoration where President Fuad Masoum and Defense Minister Irfan Hayali placed a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
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“Ramadi is firmly on the path to recovery and stabilization. It is an honor to be visiting this city at this important moment in history.” – U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood Watch Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood’s remarks about the Iraqi Security Forces’ success driving ISIS out of Ramadi and all of Iraq, and the …
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U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood visited Ramadi on December 21 at the invitation of Governor Halbousi. In meetings with the governor and sheiks from throughout Anbar, he discussed U.S. support for the Government of Iraq’s efforts to bring internally displaced Iraqis back to their communities following the defeat of ISIS. The United States is …
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Ambassador Silliman joined other distinguished guests and speakers at the Iraq Banking and Investment Summit on December 2. The Ambassador spoke about the need to create economic opportunity for Iraq’s younger generation through a transition from a government-controlled, oil-based economy, toward a more diversified free market system that fosters and encourages private investment. He noted …
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Watch this interview with former participants of the Iraqi Youth Leadership Exchange Program describing their experience traveling to the United States.
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A stolen Iraqi artifact was returned to the Government of Iraq! Yesterday the U.S. Embassy met with the Deputy Minister of Culture for Antiquities & Heritage Affairs Qais Rasheed to return an antique chess set, owned by Saddam Hussein, stolen in 2003 and recovered by the FBI. The U.S. is committed to helping return stolen …
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We are glad to announce that the U.S. Department of State has awarded $5,000,000 grant to the American University of Iraq (AUIS) in Sulaimani! The grant will fund merit scholarships for AUIS students, who represent the Kurdish, Arab, Turkmen, Muslim, Yezidi, Christian, and even Syrian refugee communities in Iraq. Through AUIS, the United States is …
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We were pleased to welcome official Iraqi spokespersons and representatives from Government of Iraq media offices to Ambassador Silliman’s home today after their Embassy-sponsored visit to the United States. Our Iraqi friends shared with the Ambassador what they learned in the United States and we discussed steps forward to continue to fight the extremist messaging …
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U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman highlighted U.S. Government support for stabilization efforts in Fallujah during his remarks today alongside Anbar Governor Suhaib Al-Rawi. Through UNDP, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad funded the rehabilitation of key water treatment facilities and supplied medical equipment for seven public health centers and the rehabilitation of 20 schools.
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Today the delegation of official Iraqi spokespersons attended the daily press briefing with the official spokesperson of the U.S. State Department, Heather Nauert. After the briefing, Ms. Nauert and the spokespersons exchanged ideas on how we can work together to fight the scourge of extremist messaging that threatens both our countries. This Embassy-funded visit highlights …
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Official spokespersons from the Government of Iraq and Kurdish Peshmerga are in Washington this week to meet their counterparts from the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of State. An amazing sign of bilateral friendship and a symbol of the U.S. commitment to a federal, democratic, unified, and prosperous Iraq!
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Today the Embassy hosted a celebration marking U.S. Independence Day. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Douglas Silliman highlighted the continuing cooperation between our two countries based on the Strategic Framework Agreement and reinforced our shared commitment to defeating ISIS. We thank our many Iraqi friends who attended the event. Pictured from right to left: National …
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On Sunday, May 21, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Williams and the USAID Acting Assistant Administrator for the Middle East Maria Longi attended the final workshop of the joint U.S.-Iraqi Taqadum program. The $106 million initiative, funded by the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), helps local Iraqi authorities improve public …
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On May 20, Economic and Commercial Affairs Officer Sharyn Fitzgerald attended the opening of a greenhouse project at Bahirka IDP camp. The project, sponsored by Mass Group Holding and implemented by Kurdish Human Rights Watch (KHRW) and the Kurdish American Cooperation Organization, established eight greenhouses to be managed by resident IDP families. The project seeks …
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On May 15, 2017, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad held a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, America’s premier academic exchange program. Since 1946, over 370,000 students and scholars from 160 different countries have participated in the program, including over 500 Iraqi artists, writers, politicians, scientists, business executives, and educators. No …
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U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman addressed members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Baghdad at their annual meeting at the Embassy. Ambassador Silliman praised Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi’s commitment to bringing more American companies to do business in Iraq, stating “Now is the best time in years to press for reforms, and to …
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The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad recently hosted an event for IDP children from four different IDP camps in Baghdad. The kids got to go on the Embassy fire truck, wear fire-fighting equipment and learn how to use a fire hose. The children also did arts and crafts projects, and had fun playing games with the …
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On April 2, Ambassador Silliman spoke at the Iraq Energy Forum 2017, where he emphasized the importance of energy to the rebuilding and stabilization of Iraq and the need for reform in confronting Iraq’s economic and energy challenges. He also raised the need to eliminate corruption, diversify the economy and develop a holistic and integrated …
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On February 28, The Consul General Ken Gross helped open our new American Corner today at the University of Kurdistan Hewler. This is a cultural and informational center that offers a library, access to online journals, advising services for students interested in studying in the U.S., and a variety of ongoing cultural and English-language programming. …
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On February 2, American Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman and Commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve General Stephen Townsend, met with Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi. The Ambassador, Prime Minister and General discussed the recent achievements by Iraq forces against Daesh and the support of the International Coalition in the fight against …
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In roundtable session with Iraqi Journalists U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman commended the bravery of all the Iraqis fighting to liberate Mosul from Da’esh. He noted that the battle to free Mosul is difficult because of the size of the city and the “abomination” of Da’esh using civilians as human shields and attacking aid-distribution …
Read More» On Tuesday December 13, 2016 , AMB Silliman and Arsalan Suleman, the Acting U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, met a group of civic-minded undergraduates and recent college graduates to discuss issues such as human rights, countering violent extremism, health, education, entrepreneurship, and science and technology.
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Today the Government of Iraq signed a loan guarantee agreement with the United States. The signing represents the first step in the process for Iraq to obtain greater access to international capital markets. After specific legal requirements and policy considerations have been satisfied, Iraq can move forwards to become the beneficiary of a U.S. sovereign …
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Ambassador Silliman met with MP Salim Juma’a Shabak and MP Dr. Hunain Al Qadu to discuss the unity within the Shabak community in Iraq and efforts to restore normal life to areas liberated from Da’esh’s brutal control. Ambassador Silliman assured the MPs that the United States is committed to supporting the Shabak community through working …
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On August 3, Consul General Ken Gross and Special Advisor for Religious Minorities Knox Thames traveled to Lalish Temple in Ninewa Province to participate in the commemoration of the 2nd anniversary of the Yezidi genocide. Mr. Gross met with Yezidi spiritual leaders, laid flowers at the genocide memorial, and gave remarks noting that as much …
Read More» On August 2, Consul General Ken Gross and Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia Knox Thames visited the Erbil Citadel and met with Citadel Director Dr. Dara al-Yakoobi, who informed them about the site’s 6000 years of history, and discussed ongoing threats to Erbil’s cultural heritage. While there, …
Read More» On August 1, Consul General Ken Gross met with senior journalists and editors from eight top Iraqi Kurdish media outlets for an informal meet and greet. While there, they discussed the state of media freedom in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, the economic challenges faced by the press, and the key stories that these outlets are …
Read More» Ken Gross, the Consul General in Erbil, is a career member of the U.S. Department of State’s Senior Foreign Service. Mr. Gross previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan from 2009-2012. He has had two previous overseas postings in Iraq, including as Principal Officer at the Regional Embassy Office in Basrah, and he returned …
Read More» On June 30, Consul General Matthias Mitman visited the Mamilyan IDP Camp and observed livelihood programs coordinated by the Social Education Economic Development NGO and the United Nations Population Fund. These programs included a woodworking training facility, cooking workshops, music and enrichment programs for children, and psychosocial services for trauma victims. During the visit, CG …
Read More» On June 27, Consul General Matthias Mitman hosted an Iftar for over twenty Peshmerga soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade. The guest of honor was the Acting KRG Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Karim Sinjari. Mitman told the Kurdish soldiers that the U.S. is proud to partner with the Peshmerga in their fight against Da’esh …
Read More» On June 26, Consul General Mitman visited the Shrine of Raban Boya near Shaqlawa. Father Anies of the Chaldean Church joined the group for the scenic hike and shared the history of the site, which dates to the fourth century A.D., as well as information about Monk Boya, who established the site as a monastery.
Read More» On June 2, the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil hosted distinguished guests including IKR President Massoud Barzani for a celebration of the two hundred and fortieth Independence Day of the United States of America. Ambassador Stuart Jones and Consul General Matthias Mitman welcomed the crowd, which included officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government, military and …
Read More» On May 30, U.S. Consul General Matthias Mitman visited Peshmerga soldiers at the Erbil’s Emergency Management Center who were injured in the ongoing conflict with Da’esh in Khazir, Ninewa. This visit took place on Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday that honors those military men and women who have given their lives in defense of their …
Read More» In celebration of World Press Freedom Day, Consul General Matthias Mitman addressed journalists, KRG officials, and other defenders of media freedom at Metro Center’s event, Defending Journalists in the IKR. In his remarks, Consul Mitman stressed that a free press is necessary for government accountability, open societies, and economic development. He also praised the work …
Read More» On May 5, the U.S. Consulate General Deputy Principal Officer, Roy Perrin, joined Sherzad Omar Mamsani, the Jewish Representative in the Kurdistan Ministry of Religion, for an historic commemoration in Erbil that marked the first Jewish Remembrance Day for Victims of the Holocaust. A moment of silence was observed in respect for the millions who …
Read More» On June 1, Consul General Mitman spoke at the graduation ceremony of the American International School of Kurdistan, encouraging the students to dream big, work hard and to give back to their communities. Many of these students will go on to universities in the United States.
Read More» On April 19, Consulate General Erbil Public Affairs Section hosted a reunion for 22 Fulbright Scholars and Fulbright Student Program alumni. Consul General Matthias Mitman welcomed the guests, commended their participation in the program, and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
Read More» On April 4, Consul General Matthias Mitman spoke at a commemoration honoring the 25th anniversary of Operation Provide Comfort. Along with representatives from the British, French and Turkish Consulates General in Erbil and the Kurdistan Regional Government, CG Mitman paid tribute to those who had sacrificed their lives in the effort to provide a safe …
Read More» Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry honored Yezidi activist Dr. Nagham Nawzat Hasan with the 2016 International Women of Courage Award. The award goes to women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve others’ lives. Dr. Hasan was one of the first physicians to provide psychological …
Read More» On January 21, Consul General Matthias Mitman delivered remarks at the Center for the Development of Natural Resources’ “Escaping the Rentier Model: Reforms in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region” conference, hosted by the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani. Consul General Mitman focused on the need for transparency and accountability in the economic reform process, …
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