US State Dept. official meets with Kurdistan Region leaders in Erbil

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Thursday, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani discussed the current situation in Iraq with David Schenker, the United State’s Assistant Secretary of Near Eastern Affairs.

US Consul-General in Erbil, Steven Fagin, was also present at the meeting, which took place in the regional capital.

They discussed the latest dramatic events unfolding in Iraq and the Middle East as Barzani, “expressed his deep concerns regarding recent tensions in the region and called on all parties to avoid any further escalation,” read a statement on the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) website.

It continued, “Both Assistant Secretary of State Schenker and Consul-General Fagin welcomed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s role as a partner and an advocate for peace and security in the region.”

Barzani also expressed his hopes that “the new federal government of Iraq will continue engaging in constructive dialogue with the Kurdistan Regional Government, building a strong and collaborative foundation between the two governments to better serve the interests of the peoples of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.” 

Schenker and Fagin also met with Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). According to a separate statement, the US officials affirmed that the United States would continue to support Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and were “hoping that the political process in Iraq will stabilize.” 

The Kurdish party leader stressed “the importance of the International Coalition’s role in the fight against the terrorist group ISIS,” and expressed his concern “that without the ongoing support of the US-led Coalition, “the terrorist group might reorganize under different names and slogans.” 

Both meetings also covered ties between Kurdistan Region and the US, the general political situation in Iraq, and how rectifying it could contribute to a meaningful response to the demands of protesters that have been taking to the streets in multiple cities in central and south of Iraq since early October.

Editing by John J. Catherine