CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CONDEMNS THE DEADLY MORTAR ATTACK ON CAMP LIBERTY WHICH KILLED SIX AND LEFT AT LEAST 100 INJURED

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement regarding the mortar attack at Camp Liberty in Iraq this past weekend:

“Steadfast respect and commitment for the rule of law have long been the strengths of the United States, enabling our great democracy to meet its international obligations. A particular development in Iraq is testing this democratic resiliency as well as our pledges to uphold international humanitarian principles. I am concerned with the recent mortar attack at Camp Liberty that killed six and left many wounded. It is important that Prime Minister al-Maliki and the Iraqi government realize the importance of the safety of all the refugees in that camp. As Iraq wants its refugees in other countries treated fairly, justly and to feel safe in their surroundings, it must too act as a role model when it comes to those at Camp Liberty.

“I understand the Government of Iraq promptly began to investigate the attack. I call on it to earnestly and fully carry out that investigation and to take all appropriate measures to enhance the security of the camp consistent with its commitment and obligation to the safety and security of the camp's residents. The terrorists responsible for this attack must be brought to justice.

“It was not enough to expect the UN to deal with the crisis - the US and Iraq must keep its promise to protect those inside Liberty. Iraq must maintain its commitment to uphold the legal and humanitarian obligations as they relate to the people of Liberty. In order to prevent a large scale humanitarian catastrophe, the U.S. government must call upon the Iraqi government to guarantee the safety of its residence until they have all been resettled elsewhere. I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and hope for the swift recovery of those who were injured.”