US envoy Jeffrey discusses Iraq, Syria with senior Kurdish officials in Erbil

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – James Jeffrey, US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and the Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State, met on Tuesday in Erbil with senior Kurdistan Region officials to discuss various pressing issues in Iraq and Syria.

The former US ambassador to Iraq was first received by Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzan. The two spoke at length about recent developments in Iraq, particularly in regard to forming the next government following months of national protests that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi.

They also covered in detail the continued threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and general stability in Syria, including the future role of Kurds in the neighboring country. Barzani brought up efforts by Turkey and Damascus to sideline Syrian Kurds and stressed that “no demographic change must take place in northeast Syria.” 

In another segment of the meeting, Barzani and Jeffrey praised their two governments' continued positive relations, including cooperation in efforts to fight terrorism. 

Later that afternoon, Jeffrey then met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.

The two covered mostly the same issues as in the previous meeting but had a particularly in-depth exchange regarding international efforts to bring a return of security to Syria, with both sides emphasizing the need for active participation by both regional and international actors to find peaceful solutions that will help to ensure stability in the wider region.

President Barzani affirmed that he will continue his efforts to bring Syrian Kurdish political factions closer together to support political and security initiatives that could benefit them all to develop a greater role in the future of Syria.

They also spent time discussing the national turmoil in Iraq and various issues surrounding government formation.

Editing by John J. Catherine