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Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky and Actress and Humanitarian Angelina Jolie Meet with Abd al-Samad Sultan, Iraq’s Minister of Displacement and Migration
Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky and Angelina Jolie, Actress and Humanitarian Visit Baghdad to Discuss Humanitarian Efforts
February 7, 2008
Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky and Angelina Jolie traveled to Iraq February 7, 2008 to discuss U.S. humanitarian relief efforts for Internally Displaced Persons and conflict victims. They met with key Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari and Ministry of Displacement and Migration Abd al-Samad Sultan. They also met with United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Special Representative Steffan De Mistura, discussing the United Nations response to refugee-related issues in the region. Together, both held meetings with locally employed staff at the U.S. Embassy and internally displaced persons, discussing specific cases and needs.
Ms. Jolie was in the region six months ago on a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) mission addressing these issues. On her return to the United States, she met with representatives of the Department of State, the National Security Council, and the Department of Homeland Security to discuss shared concerns about Internally Displaced Persons. This trip is a follow-up mission to support and implement joint solutions to assist Iraqi’s displaced population.
“I am concerned as a humanitarian, of course, but I am also concerned as an American about the desperation and aggression that can come from years of neglect and displacement,” Ms. Jolie said.
While in Baghdad, Under Secretary Dobriansky and Ms. Jolie met with Charge d’Affaires Patricia A. Butenis and General David H. Petraeus. They also shared a meal with members of the Multi-National Forces-Iraq and U.S. Foreign Service Officers.
Ms. Jolie expressed her strong support and gratitude for the dedication of U.S. troops and Foreign Service Officers. “I was glad to have the opportunity to come to Baghdad and thank them face-to-face,” she said.