21 February, 2011
US military chief visits Gulf, to urge restraint
The top US military officer arrived in the turbulent Gulf region yesterday for a week-long visit to underscore US strategic ties with allies challenged by protest movements sweeping the Arab world.
Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.
He will also stop in Djibouti, where demonstrators inspired by revolts that toppled leaders in Egypt and Tunisia have clashed with riot police.
“Though this trip was planned well before the recent unrest in the region, the chairman will be interested to gain the perspectives of leaders here about these protest movements,” said spokesman Capt. John Kirby.
Mullen, he added, will also “make clear his desire to see that peaceful protest be allowed to continue without threats or violence from any quarter and that restraint is shown by all sides in these disputes.”No further details on the trip were provided.
Reuters
