WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“President Trump's invitation to President Duterte is unnecessary for addressing the challenge of North Korea—the most pressing crisis in the Asia Pacific—and provides unjustifiable validation of Duterte's brutal anti-drug campaign.  President Trump's decision to welcome the Philippines’ leader to Washington at a time when thousands of Filipinos are being slaughtered in the streets—at President Duterte’s direction—calls into question long held American policy of promoting human rights and the rule of law.  In light of President Duterte's flagrant disregard for human life and due process in his own country, I urge President Trump to reconsider his invitation.”

###