Georgian FM condemns attack on US Embassy in Iraq
Smoke billows from a sentry box at an entrance of the embassy. US Embassy in Iraq/AFP/Getty Images
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Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani is concerned by the recent attack on the United States Embassy in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.
Concerned with escalation and violence in Iraq. We condemn recent attack on US Embassy in Baghdad. Security and protection of diplomatic missions must be ensured in line with Vienna Convention. @SecPompeo @StateDept
— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) January 1, 2020
CNN reports that attacks broke out in Baghdad among hundreds of protesters in response to airstrikes in Iraq and Syria conducted by US forces on Sunday.
However, the US Secretary Mike Pompeo said the US "defensive action was aimed at deterring Iran and protecting American lives".
Today I spoke with @UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres following the U.S. response to recent attacks in #Iraq. I made clear that our defensive action was aimed at deterring #Iran and protecting American lives.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 30, 2019
President Donald Trump also warned the leaders of Iran that they "will be held responsible for any death or destruction" after the attack on the US embassy.
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Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani has condemned the “recent violence, provocative attack” on the United States Embassy in Baghdad. He also noted that "it is time for diplomacy to de-escalate and reduce tensions".
The Georgian Foreign Ministry has announced that Georgian citizens who are currently in Iraq face no threat amid the current tension there. The ministry reported that the majority of Georgians are in the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq.
The US Embassy in Georgia warns its citizens being abroad about the heightened tension in the Middle East.
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