Washington committed to military, financial support to Peshmerga: Carter

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on Sunday emphasized the commitment of Washington to its agreement of military and financial support to Peshmerga.

Following his meeting with the Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi in Baghdad, Carter visited Erbil and met with the President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani.

Carter was accompanied by some diplomats, advisers, and military commanders including the acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Elissa Slotkin and the US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman.

He praised the efforts of Peshmerga forces in defeating the Islamic State (IS) as well as President Barzani’s role in cooperating with the federal government of Iraq during the IS battle.

According to him, Barzani’s leadership helped the joint operation of Peshmerga and Iraqi forces against the extremist group which resulted in many achievements, the Kurdistan Region Presidency (KRP) media office stated.

Carter mentioned the US people support Peshmerga and the military operation to eradicate the insurgent group.

During the meeting, the Secretary also said Washington was committed to its agreement with Peshmerga regarding military and financial support.

On July 12, 2016, with Barzani’s presence, a military memorandum of understanding was signed by Slotkin and Karim Sinjari, the Acting Minister of Peshmerga Affairs.

“The memorandum makes references to military and financial support to the Peshmerga forces and also to some of the details of the Mosul operation,” the KRP explained.

In the meeting with Carter, Barzani highlighted the US’ support to the people of the Kurdistan Region, stating Peshmerga forces had successfully fulfilled its responsibility in the battle against terrorism.

The President hoped the US would continue to defend freedom and universal values.

In another part of the meeting, both sides discussed the current situation in Mosul city and Nineveh Province in northern Iraq as well as the IS war in Syria.

In a special ceremony, Carter awarded four Peshmerga officers for their bravery in defeating the extremists.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany