US Ambassador discusses financial crisis with KRG

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (K24) – The United States special envoy to Iraq discussed the financial crisis with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) officials, expressing US support in finding solutions for the beleaguered Region.

Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Nechirvan Barzani received US Ambassador to Iraq Stuart Jones and his accompanied diplomatic delegation on Sunday. The delegation, which included US Consul General in Erbil Matthias Mitman, discussed solutions for the current financial crisis facing the Kurdistan Region in particular and Iraq in general. The meeting followed the week-long visit from an official KRG delegation to Washington on January 13.

Ambassador Jones praised the role of Peshmerga in fighting Da'esh (IS) and highlighted the crucial role of KRG and the Kurdish people in hosting nearly two million refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Prime Minister Barzani explained to the visiting delegation the several main reasons causing the financial crisis, including KRG's budget share cut from Baghdad, IS war, the arrival of refugees and IDPs, and the worldwide decrease in oil prices.

Barzani also mentioned KRG’s plan in reducing its expenditures and increasing all public and private sector revenue — part of a plan implemented since early 2014. Additionally, he highlighted the need for financial reform across various governmental departments and ministries.

Barzani also called upon the US delegation to help KRG in setting long-term objectives to overcome the current financial crisis and to assist in implementing necessary economic reforms. He thanked the US for its continuous support to the Kurdistan Region.

The delegation reiterated US support for KRG financial reforms and implementing necessary measures needed to alleviate its economic collapse. The delegates stated they will return to Washington and explain the crisis to economics experts seeking their expertise to help facilitate successful reforms.

Ambassador Jones and the delegation also met with KRG President Massoud Barzani on Sunday. The meeting discussed several topics, including current political and security developments in Kurdistan Region, Erbil-Baghdad relations, and preparations regarding the liberation of Mosul. Bilateral relations between KRG and US was another main topic of the meeting.

Reporting by Mewan Dolamari; Editing by Benjamin Kweskin