A top US lawmaker has appealed President Barack Obama to appoint a special envoy for religious minorities in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Congressman Frank Wolf, a longtime advocate for international religious freedom, said the US government should "act today" and begin consultations with the communities.
In his letter to the President, Wolf said if the Obama administration can signal its intention to appoint a special envoy to the Arctic region it should be able to appoint a special envoy for religious minorities in Middle East "consistent with the sentiments you expressed following your meeting with the Pope".
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The House has twice passed Wolf's legislation to create the position but the measure was stalled in the Senate, partly because of opposition from the administration.
Referring to "recent increase" in violence against religious minorities in the region, Wolf said violence against Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan is often met with impunity, and basic rights, including the ability to vote, are denied.
And, Anti-Semitism throughout the region is rampant, he added.
"While I would welcome legislative action on the measure, it is by no means necessary for the creation of a special envoy. In fact, just last month, Secretary of State Kerry announced his intention to name a special representative or envoy to the Arctic region," he said.
