‘We Feel Your Emotions,’ Says US Envoy on Regional Crisis

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Ashen Tharaka  

Amid continuing talks of a temporary ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan, the US Ambassador to Bahrain yesterday acknowledged the emotional response to regional tensions and hinted that a resolution is being worked upon.

“Smart, creative people are spending days and nights trying to resolve the situation, and we will get there,” H.E. Steven C. Bondy said while talking about the efforts to address the situation.

The US Ambassador mentioned the regional tensions and emotional response while talking at a Ramadan Iftar for the alumni of a student exchange programme held at the InterContinental Bahrain hotel.

“We recognise multiple crises are happening around the region,” Ambassador Bondy stated. “This is a time of high tensions and emotions. I want you to know that we truly understand and are very empathetic. We feel the same emotions that you feel as well,” he said while explaining that efforts are going on to resolve the situation.

The Ambassador also highlighted a recent meeting between His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that specifically focused on these regional circumstances. “We would really seek to work closely with our Arab partners,” the Ambassador said, underscoring the importance of collaboration.

“We need to do more listening. We’re also speaking. We want to learn, and we want to integrate the thoughts of our partners,” he added.