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WALZ VISITS MIDDLE EAST
Leader on Veterans’ and Military Issues in Congress Examines Troubled Region
For Immediate Release
May 28, 2009
Contact: Meredith Salsbery
507-388-2149
SYRIA — Congressman Tim Walz is in the Middle East this week, meeting with regional leaders in Israel, Syria, the West Bank and Turkey. He is traveling with U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, and Senators Frank Lautenberg and Ted Kaufman
“As a 24-year veteran of the U.S. military and a leader on veterans’ and military issues in Congress, I want to see firsthand this troubled region where American interests and security are directly at stake. These conversations with regional leaders are key to an opening a new chapter in American diplomacy,” Congressman Walz said.
“I am especially concerned with the ongoing Middle East peace process and was pleased to meet with U.S. General Keith Dayton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other regional leaders during three days in Israel and the West Bank. Our trip, along with the strong commitment to diplomatic engagement displayed by the Obama Administration, will help demonstrate to the world that America is not only serious about protecting its own interests, but serious about seeing peace in our time.”
Congressman Walz and Senator Kaufman spent part of a day in Syria, meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Asad. In the meeting, both legislators discussed the Obama Administration’s renewed engagement effort with the Syrian government. Congressman Walz also raised concerns with the Syrian President about the continued flow of foreign fighters entering Iraq through Syria.
Congressman Walz is in the region for the entire week meeting with senior government officials. A complete itinerary of the trip will be released upon the Congressman’s return.
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