Pompeo reaches out to PM Barzani as Kurdish official met Iraqi leaders in Baghdad

The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, while on an official visit to Baghdad, received a telephone call from the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo late Saturday night, a follow up to the political developments in Iraq.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, while on an official visit to Baghdad, received a telephone call from the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo late Saturday night, a follow up to the political developments in Iraq.

In the telephone conversation, both sides focused on the ongoing Iraqi political process in Iraq and future of the country, according to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) press office.

The two also discussed the countdown to the election of Iraq’s new president and prime minister, which was triggered by successful votes for Parliament’s new leadership. 

Pompeo on Thursday called the recently elected parliamentary Speaker, Mohammed al-Halbousi, whose second deputy includes a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) - Nechirvan’s party.

The KRG’s statement noted that Pompeo stressed the significance and active role the Kurdistan Region holds in the political process of Iraq and how they will help shape the country’s branches of leadership, in Parliament, in the government, and in the presidency.

According to the readout from the Kurdish official’s side, Pompeo and Barzani shared hopes the next phase of Iraq’s political process would bring stability and security. Among that involves a new Iraqi government which reflects the demands and rights of all the country’s components.

Pompeo reached out as Barzani traveled to Baghdad on Saturday to meet with Iraqi parties to discuss the formation and promotion of a new inclusive, representational government and nominees for the Iraqi Presidency.

Ties between the US, the Kurdistan Region, and Iraq were also discussed during the phone call between the two officials. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Barzani are viewed as some of the strongest allies to the US in Iraq. 

Pompeo’s call with the parliamentary Speaker followed pro-Iranian statements that Halbousi made after winning the speakership last week: Iraq should not abide by the sanctions on Iran, and that he would invite his Iranian counterpart to Baghdad to issue a joint statement to that effect.

In contrast, the Kurds have consistently held a pro-American stance, making them a valuable partner as Baghdad struggles to elect a new Prime Minister and Iranian influence strengthens as Washington’s preferred candidate as head of state, Haider al-Abadi, seems unlikely to be able to secure a second term. 

According to analysts, the Kurds will have the “main word” in choosing the next prime minister because they are the swing vote between the Shia blocs.

Editing by Nadia Riva