Yesterday, May 27, 2009, a delegation from the Congress of Arab American Organizations (CAAO) traveled to Washington, DC, to attend a meeting with representatives from the Department of State.  During the meeting, the delegation addressed issues related to the U.S. foreign policies with regards to the Middle East, and discussed the prospect of peace in the region.

Following that meeting, the delegation met with representatives from the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, where the discussion was focused on the civil rights and civil liberties of Arab Americans.

Both discussions were constructive and served as opportunities to express different viewpoints in light of the new administration’s policies, and in anticipation of President Obama’s upcoming address to the Arab World on June 4, 2009.

“These meetings are consistent with the continued efforts to reach out to elected officials at various levels,” stated Hamad, ADC Sr. National Advisor & Regional Director. “CAAO remains determined to move forward to serve the best interest of the Arab American community in Michigan.”